Semiautomated method for the analysis of formulations of chlorpheniramine maleate and brompheniramine maleate.

The determination of chlorpheniramine maleate and brompheniramine maleate in tablets, capsules, injections, and elixirs has been automated. The active ingredient is dissolved in dilute HCl. The dilute acid solution is sampled, made basic with dilute NaOH, and extracted with isooctane. The isooctane phase is resampled and the drug is re-extracted into dilute HCl. The absorbance of the acidic aqueous layer is monitored at 265 nm. The method is an automated version of the general USP XIX assay for salts of organic nitrogenous bases. The results from the semiautomated procedure agree well with the USP XIX and NF XIV official methods. Recoveries were 100% from an authentic tablet material. The system is linear from 0 to 300% of declared potency. The procedure is free from common excipient and dye interferences. Precision data are included for both the automated and official methods.