HPLC separation of antibiotics present in formulated and unformulated samples

Analysis of antibiotics in formulated and unformulated samples demand a highly specific and rapid method as many antibiotics (e.g. beta-lactams) have serious stability problems. HPLC techniques can provide a valuable tool for generating highly pure preparations for characterizing the antimicrobial activities. In the present review article, column and mobile phase conditions for the various classes of antibiotics viz. penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, rifamycins etc. have been presented from April 1998 to November 2000. A brief discussion on chemical structure, spectrum of activity and action mechanism of each class has also been given.