HPLC determination of chloramphenicol degradation in eye drops

An HPLC-method is described for the simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol and its most important degradation products. A 15 cm long C-18 reversed phase column was used with a mobile phase consisting of boric acid solution-acetonitrile (60 + 45) adjusted to a pH of 3. The amount of degradation of chloramphenicol eye drop solutions containing boric acid and borax, at pH 4.7 and 7.2 respectively, is determined at 4, 21, 100 and 120 degrees C. The solution of pH 7.2 is more stable than that of pH 4.7 at 4 and 21 degrees C, but is less stable at 100 and 120 degrees C. Preparation has to be accomplished in subdued light. The solutions have to be protected from light during storage.