In this paper, a second-derivative spectrophotometric method of assaying
Septalen ? pellets (Krka, Novo Mesto, Slovenia), which contain lidocaine 1
mg, and cetrimoniumbromide 2mg, is described. Lidocaine,
2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethyl- phenyl)-acetamide, is a local anesthetic
with pronounced antiarhythmic and anticonvulsant properties.
Cetrimoniumbromide, N,N,N-trimethyl-l-hexadecanaminium bromide, is a topical
antiseptic and cleansing agent. Lidocaine was determined at 250 nm using the
"zero crossing" technique because the signals of centrimonium bromide and the
colour ingredient are zero at this wavelength. Cetrimonium bromide was
determined by correction of the peak amplitude at 215 nm according to
lidocaine. In choosing the optimal magnitudes for the simultaneous
determination of both drugs, the following criteria were considered: (1) the
linearity of the calibration graphs as given by the correlation coefficients,
(2) the intercept, (3) the sensitivity as given by the regression
coefficient, (4) the degree of interference in the derivative measurement by
the presence of the other compound, as given by the relative percent error
and by the relative recovery, and (5) the reproducibility, as given by the
coefficient of variation, calculated by recording the second-derivative
spectra.