A Two-Step Optimization Approach: Validated RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Gatifloxacin and Dexamethasone in...

The growing technology of stationary phase chemistry has a great impact on the chromatographic system performance and analysis economics. In this context, a simple rapid reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography method development is presented for the analysis of gatifloxacin (GFN) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) in their ophthalmic formulation. A two-step optimization approach has been conducted using optimum chromatographic conditions as well as proper selection of stationary phase. The chromatographic separation was carried out using sodium phosphate buffer pH 3.0 ± 0.1 and acetonitrile 72:28 v/v, respectively, with flow rate 1 mL min-1 and simultaneous detection at 243 nm. Three different column technologies were investigated at the optimum set of the chromatographic conditions: Xbridge® bridged ethylene hybrid silica, Kinetex™ Core-Shell and the Onyx™ Monolithic stationary phase. The monolithic column has shown better chromatographic separation, based on system suitability testing as well as shorter analysis time and sensitivity. The proposed method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The linearity was achieved for GFN and DSP in the range 0.58-120 μg mL-1 and 0.50-120 μg mL-1, respectively, with acceptable accuracy, precision and selectivity.