Stability indicating HPLC method for the estimation of oxycodone and lidocaine in rectal gel

An HPLC method for the quantification of oxycodone and lidocaine in a gel matrix is described. The mobile phase consisted of methanol--water--acetic acid (35:15:1 v/v/v) and was delivered at 1.5 ml/min through a 4.6 x 250 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column. Oxycodone was detected at 285 nm and lidocaine at 264 nm. Linear calibration curves were obtained for oxycodone in the range of 0.05--1.5% (w/w) and for lidocaine in the range of 0.1--5.0% (w/w). Oxycodone and lidocaine were treated with hydrogen peroxide and the oxidation products were readily separated on the column. The method was applied to assess the stability of a gel containing oxycodone hydrochloride (0.3% w/w) and lidocaine (1.5% w/w). The gel was stored under refrigeration in ready-to-use syringes and under these conditions oxycodone and lidocaine were stable for at least 1 year. The gel is useful in the management of tenesmus in rectal cancer.