Abstract

The accuracy and reliability of the analytical results are critical in ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. However, to ensure these criteria, the choice of appropriate analytical method is required. This study sets out to compare the efficacy of visual, potentiometric titrations and UV spectrophotometric methods in the determination of the quality of Ibuprofen tablets in Nigeria. Eight different brands of Ibuprofen tablets were purchased from local pharmacies and drug stores. Visual, potentiometric titrations and UV spectrophotometric methods were utilized in the quantification of the different brands. The label claims of the various brands were assessed base on the different methods. The results obtained were compared with the official specification for uniformity. All the eight different brands of Ibuprofen tablets conform to the USP specification for the percent purity of the active principle using the visual titration, whilst one out of the eight brands did not conform to the USP specification with potentiometric titration as well as four out of the eight brands also, did not meet the official compendium specification using the UV spectrophotometric method. It can be inferred from this study that the choice of analytical method is critical in ascertaining the exact quality of pharmaceutical products.

Key words: Visual titration, potentiometric titration, UV spectrophotometry, analytical methods, Ibuprofen.