Quantitative assay for ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin formulations

Abstract

Back Background ground Ciprofloxacin (cipro) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is used extensively in both animals and humans due to its high bioavailability and the wide range of susceptible infections. However, the use of substandard (poor quality) and counterfeit formulations of cipro in low-and middle-income countries has contributed to an increased risk of treatment failure due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poor quality medicines especially have been linked to AMR. Therefore, there is a pressing need to screen for quality of cipro in low-resource settings. Methods Methods We have addressed this need by developing a low-cost fluorescence assay capable of quantifying the amount of cipro in tablets. In this assay, cipro is dissolved in deionized water and mixed with palladium(II) and methyl cellulose. Upon addition of these reagents, quenching of cipro is observed and quantified.