SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF CEPHALEXIN IN ITS DOSAGE FORMS

A simple, rapid, and specific method was developed for determination of cephalexin and its dosage forms. The method is based on the reaction of cephalexin with acetylacetone-formaldehyde reagent to give a yellow chromophore measurable at 400 nm. The color is stable for 3 h. Beer's law is valid within a concentration range of 10-100 mug/mL for cephalexin. All variables were studied to optimize the reaction conditions. The method is specific for amino beta-lactam antibiotics. Non-amino beta-lactam antibiotics do not interfere. No interference was observed in the presence of common pharmaceutical adjuvants. The validity of the method was tested by analyzing cephalexin tablets, capsules, and oral suspension. Good recoveries were obtained for these preparations. The results were comparable with those obtained by the official procedure.