Photo-Degradation Of Sarcet® (Cetirizine Dihydrochloride) Under Different Extreme Lighting Condition: An UV Analysis

Abstract

A brand of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride, a photosensitive drug, was chosen to test the photolytic degradation under accelerated condition. Tablets were taken from the same batch of Sarcet® and exposed to different lighting conditions- Direct sunlight, 25 watt bulb and 40 watt bulb- for a defined period. A group of tablet was kept in dark as control to compare the result. Physical parameter and potency of the tablets were determined by weight variation test measured according to USP and no significant change was found. Potency test was performed by UV spectroscopy at 230nm wavelength showed gradual decline in potency of the tablet. Percent variation in potency in case of 25 watt bulb, 40 watt bulb and sunlight exposed tablets was 3.77%, 8.35%, 11.14% respectively. So it can be suggested to protect the drug from photolytic decomposition making the packaging opaque which may be an effective way.