STUDY OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT OF FOUR DIFFERENT BRANDS OF COMMERCIAL DICLOFENAC SODIUM OF SELECTED PHARMACIES IN THE WESTERN REGION OF LIBYA

Abstract

Diclofenac is a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in medical applications for the treatment of many diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the active ingredient of four brands of diclofenac sodium in the selected pharmacies in the western part of Libya to choose the best one. By comparison of the active ingredients of four different brands of diclofenac sodium (Olfen, Votrex, Emifenac, and Diclofenac Stada) has not been made available in public medical stores and pharmacies of Zawia, Libya. The study is based on the ultraviolet absorbance maxima at about 305nm wavelength of diclofenac sodium using a mixture solvent of water and ethanol. The solutions were scanned at the 200-400nm UV region. The wavelength maxima (λ_max) was observed at 305nm, and this wavelength was adopted for absorbance measurement. In general, most of the studied available brands' drug was within the specified standard range of 40-50 mg except the Emifenac brand.