CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF PARACETAMOL AND IBUPROFEN IN PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION

Abstract

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are among the most widely used over-the-counter drugs for pain relief, fever reduction, and inflammation control. The high frequency of their use, the availability of numerous generic formulations, and the growing trend of self-medication highlight the importance of strict quality control and reliable determination of active ingredients and impurities in pharmaceutical preparations. This article presents an analysis of the physicochemical properties of paracetamol and ibuprofen, their pharmacological characteristics, metabolism, and mechanisms of action. Special attention is devoted to modern analytical approaches for their identification and quantification in pharmaceutical and biological samples. Chromatographic methods (HPLC, HPLC-MS/MS, gas chromatography), UV spectrophotometry, titrimetry, and electrochemical analysis techniques are reviewed. Their sensitivity, selectivity, detection limits, operational simplicity, and suitability for routine quality control are evaluated. The comparative analysis demonstrates that chromatographic methods provide the highest accuracy and reproducibility, while spectrophotometric techniques remain rapid and cost-effective for routine use. The findings emphasize the importance of validated analytical procedures to ensure the safety and efficacy of paracetamol and ibuprofen, contributing to pharmaceutical quality assurance and toxicological monitoring.