Authentication of artemether, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin antimalarial tablets using a simple colorimetric method.

摘要: The recent and widespread appearance of counterfeit antimalarial tablets in South–east Asia prompted the search for simple field assays to identify genuine drugs. In a recently described colorimetric assay artesunate, Fast red TR salt reacted with an alkali-decomposition product artesunate produce distinct yellow colour. However, that is specific it cannot be used test artemether. Because potential concerns over artemether tablet counterfeiting, was modified detect artemether, dihydroartemisinin tablets. Other common antimalarials (artemisinin, chloroquine diphosphate, mefloquine HCl, sulphadoxine pyrimethamine), as well aspirin acetaminophen, were negative assay, indicating its specificity artesunate. method can obtain rapid visual assessment authenticity. also quantify drug content tablets, when conjunction spectrophotometer.