Semiautomated system for high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of dissolution rate of fludrocortisone...

A new semiautomated high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system is described to determine the dissolution rate of fludrocortisone acetate tablets. The system uses a miniaturized dissolution basket and shaft assembly having the same geometry as that given in USP XIX. This reduced size permits use of smaller volumes of dissolution medium, allowing most very low dose oral solid dosage forms to be handled. The USP dissolution kettle was also replaced with a new miniaturized vessel that continuously filters the sample solution before it enters the flow system. Volumes of dissolution medium as small as 15 ml can be accommodated, depending on the sensitivity of the assay employed and the solubility of the drug substance under study. The concentration of fludrocortisone acetate in solution was monitored by a new HPLC system employing a reversed-phase column compatible with the aqueous dissolution medium used. A comparative dissolution study of different lots was made using different basket rotation speeds.