Risk Assessment-Based Enhanced Analytical Quality-by-Design Approach to Eco-Friendly and Economical Multicomponent Spectrophotometric Methods for Simultaneous Estimation of Montelukast Sodium and Bilastine

Background: Concomitant montelukast and bilastine are used as additive therapy for seasonal allergic rhinoconjuctivitis and mild to moderate asthma. According to a literature review, no UV-visible spectrophotometric method has been reported yet for simultaneous estimation of montelukast sodium and bilastine in their combined pharmaceutical dosage forms. Objective: Five different multicomponent spectrophotometric methods were therefore developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of montelukast sodium and bilastine using a risk assessment-based enhanced analytical quality-by-design approach. Method: The identification and assessment of method risk parameters were carried out using the risk priority number ranking and filtering method according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q9 guideline. The wavelength for detection and solvents such as 0.1 N NaOH and 0.1 N HCl were found to be critical method parameters for the development of the target methods. The developed methods were validated as per the ICH Q2(R1) guideline. Results: The developed and validated methods were applied for assay of combined pharmaceutical dosage forms of montelukast sodium and bilastine and results were found to be in good agreement with their label claims. Conclusions: The developed methods did not include the usage of any organic solvent and are a good alternative to the costly chromatography method. Hence, the methods are eco-friendly and economical for the simultaneous estimation of bilastine and montelukast sodium. Highlights: Five multicomponent spectrophotometric methods were developed for simultaneous estimation of montelukast sodium and bilastine using a risk-based analytical quality-by-design approach. An assay of combined tablet dosage forms of montelukast sodium and bilastine was then carried out using the developed methods.