Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 8.0

Column :
size : l = 0.125 m, = 4.0 mm,
stationary phase : octadecylsilyl silica gel for
chromatography R (5 m).
Mobile phase :
mobile phase A : water R,
mobile phase B : acetonitrile R,

A. 9-uoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4diene-3,20-dione (dexamethasone),

Time
(min)
0-2

Mobile phase A
(per cent V/V)
68

Mobile phase B
(per cent V/V)
32

2 - 20

68 50

32 50

20 - 25

50 68

50 32

25 - 35

68

32

Flow rate : 1.2 mL/min.

Detection : spectrophotometer at 240 nm.
Injection : 10 L.
Identification of impurities : use the chromatogram
supplied with dexamethasone isonicotinate for impurity C
identification CRS and the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (c) to identify the peak due to impurity C.
Relative retention with reference to dexamethasone
isonicotinate (retention time = about 12 min) :
impurity A = about 0.4 ; impurity C = about 0.6 ;
impurity B = about 0.8.
System suitability : reference solution (a) :
resolution : minimum 5.0 between the peaks due to
impurity B and dexamethasone isonicotinate.
Limits :
impurity A : not more than 5 times the area of the
corresponding peak in the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (b) (0.5 per cent),
impurity B : not more than 3 times the area of the
corresponding peak in the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (b) (0.3 per cent),
impurity C : not more than 3 times the area of the peak
due to dexamethasone isonicotinate in the chromatogram
obtained with reference solution (b) (0.3 per cent),
unspecified impurities : for each impurity, not more than
the area of the peak due to dexamethasone isonicotinate
in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (b)
(0.1 per cent),
total : not more than 8 times the area of the peak due
to dexamethasone isonicotinate in the chromatogram
obtained with reference solution (b) (0.8 per cent),
disregard limit : 0.5 times the area of the peak due to
dexamethasone isonicotinate in the chromatogram
obtained with reference solution (b) (0.05 per cent).
Loss on drying (2.2.32): maximum 1.0 per cent, determined
on 1.000 g by drying in an oven at 102 C under high vacuum
for 4 h.
ASSAY
Dissolve 0.400 g in a mixture of 5 mL of anhydrous formic
acid R and 50 mL of glacial acetic acid R. Titrate with 0.1 M
perchloric acid, determining the end-point potentiometrically
(2.2.20).
1 mL of 0.1 M perchloric acid is equivalent to 49.76 mg
of C28H32FNO6.
IMPURITIES
Specified impurities : A, B, C.
General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

B. 9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,20-dioxopregna1,4-dien-21-yl acetate (dexamethasone acetate),

C. 9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4-diene3,20-dione (21-deoxydexamethasone).
07/2012:0549

DEXAMETHASONE SODIUM
PHOSPHATE
Dexamethasoni natrii phosphas

C22H28FNa2O8P
[2392-39-4]

Mr 516.4

DEFINITION
9-Fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,20-dioxopregna1,4-dien-21-yl disodium phosphate.
Content : 97.0 per cent to 102.0 per cent (anhydrous substance).
CHARACTERS
Appearance : white or almost white, very hygroscopic powder.
Solubility : freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
(96 per cent), practically insoluble in methylene chloride.
It shows polymorphism (5.9).
IDENTIFICATION
First identification : B, G.
Second identification : A, C, D, E, F.
A. Dissolve 10.0 mg in 5 mL of water R and dilute to
100.0 mL with anhydrous ethanol R. Place 2.0 mL of this
solution in a ground-glass-stoppered tube, add 10.0 mL of
phenylhydrazine-sulfuric acid solution R, mix and heat in
a water-bath at 60 C for 20 min. Cool immediately. The
absorbance (2.2.25) measured at the absorption maximum
at 419 nm is at least 0.20.
B. Infrared absorption spectrophotometry (2.2.24).
Comparison : dexamethasone sodium phosphate CRS.

2015

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

If the spectra obtained in the solid state show differences,

dissolve the substance to be examined and the reference
substance separately in the minimum volume of ethanol
(96 per cent) R, evaporate to dryness on a water-bath and
record new spectra using the residues.
C. Thin-layer chromatography (2.2.27).
Test solution. Dissolve 10 mg of the substance to be
examined in methanol R and dilute to 10 mL with the same
solvent.
Reference solution (a). Dissolve 20 mg of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate CRS in methanol R and dilute to 20 mL
with the same solvent.
Reference solution (b). Dissolve 10 mg of prednisolone
sodium phosphate CRS in reference solution (a) and dilute
to 10 mL with reference solution (a).
Plate : TLC silica gel F254 plate R.
Mobile phase : glacial acetic acid R, water R, butanol R
(20:20:60 V/V/V).
Application : 5 L.
Development : over 3/4 of the plate.
Drying : in air.
Detection A : examine in ultraviolet light at 254 nm.
Results A : the principal spot in the chromatogram obtained
with the test solution is similar in position and size to
the principal spot in the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (a).
Detection B : spray with alcoholic solution of sulfuric acid R,
heat at 120 C for 10 min or until the spots appear, and
allow to cool ; examine in daylight and in ultraviolet light
at 365 nm.
Results B : the principal spot in the chromatogram obtained
with the test solution is similar in position, colour in
daylight, uorescence in ultraviolet light at 365 nm and
size to the principal spot in the chromatogram obtained
with reference solution (a).
System suitability : reference solution (b) :
the chromatogram shows 2 spots which may, however,
not be completely separated.
D. Add about 2 mg to 2 mL of sulfuric acid R and shake to
dissolve. Within 5 min, a faint yellowish-brown colour
develops. Add this solution to 10 mL of water R and mix.
The colour fades and a clear solution remains.
E. Mix about 5 mg with 45 mg of heavy magnesium oxide R
and ignite in a crucible until an almost white residue is
obtained (usually less than 5 min). Allow to cool, add
1 mL of water R, 0.05 mL of phenolphthalein solution R1
and about 1 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid R to render the
solution colourless. Filter. To a freshly prepared mixture
of 0.1 mL of alizarin S solution R and 0.1 mL of zirconyl
nitrate solution R, add 1.0 mL of the ltrate. Mix, allow
to stand for 5 min and compare the colour of the solution
with that of a blank prepared in the same manner. The test
solution is yellow and the blank is red.
F. To 40 mg add 2 mL of sulfuric acid R and heat gently
until white fumes are evolved, add nitric acid R dropwise,
continue the heating until the solution is almost colourless
and cool. Add 2 mL of water R, heat until white fumes are
again evolved, cool, add 10 mL of water R and neutralise to
red litmus paper R with dilute ammonia R1. The solution
gives reaction (a) of sodium (2.3.1) and reaction (b) of
phosphates (2.3.1).
G. Examine the chromatograms obtained in the assay.
Results : the principal peak in the chromatogram obtained
with the test solution is similar in retention time and size
to the principal peak in the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (b).

2016

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 8.0

TESTS
Solution S. Dissolve 1.0 g in carbon dioxide-free water R and
dilute to 20 mL with the same solvent.
Appearance of solution. Solution S is clear (2.2.1) and not
more intensely coloured than reference solution B7 (2.2.2,
Method II).
pH (2.2.3) : 7.5 to 9.5.
Dilute 1 mL of solution S to 5 mL with carbon dioxide-free
water R.
Specic optical rotation (2.2.7) : + 75 to + 83 (anhydrous
substance).
Dissolve 0.250 g in water R and dilute to 25.0 mL with the
same solvent.
Related substances. Liquid chromatography (2.2.29).
Solution A. Dissolve 7.0 g of ammonium acetate R in 1000 mL
of water R.
Test solution. Dissolve 10 mg of the substance to be examined
in mobile phase A and dilute to 10.0 mL with mobile phase A.
Reference solution (a). Dissolve 2 mg of betamethasone sodium
phosphate CRS (impurity B) and 2 mg of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate CRS in mobile phase A, then dilute to
100.0 mL with mobile phase A.
Reference solution (b). Dissolve 2 mg of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate for peak identification CRS (containing
impurities A, C, D, E, F and G) in mobile phase A and dilute
to 2.0 mL with mobile phase A.
Reference solution (c). Dilute 1.0 mL of the test solution to
100.0 mL with mobile phase A. Dilute 1.0 mL of this solution
to 10.0 mL with mobile phase A.
Column :
size : l = 0.125 m, = 4.6 mm ;
stationary phase : end-capped octylsilyl silica gel for
chromatography R (5 m) ;
temperature : 30 C.
Mobile phase :
mobile phase A : mix 300 mL of solution A and 350 mL
of water R, adjust to pH 3.8 with acetic acid R, then add
350 mL of methanol R ;
mobile phase B : adjust 300 mL of solution A to pH 4.0 with
acetic acid R, then add 700 mL of methanol R ;
Time
(min)
0 - 3.5

Mobile phase A
(per cent V/V)
90

Mobile phase B
(per cent V/V)
10

3.5 - 23.5

90 60

10 40

23.5 - 34.5

60 5

40 95

34.5 - 50

95

Flow rate : 1.0 mL/min.

Detection : spectrophotometer at 254 nm.
Injection : 20 L.
Identification of impurities : use the chromatogram
supplied with dexamethasone sodium phosphate for peak
identification CRS and the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (b) to identify the peaks due to impurities
A, C, D, E, F and G ; use the chromatogram obtained with
reference solution (a) to identify the peak due to impurity B.
Relative retention with reference to dexamethasone
sodium phosphate (retention time = about 22 min) :
impurity C = about 0.5 ; impurity D = about 0.6 ;
impurity E = about 0.8 ; impurity F = about 0.92 ;
impurity B = about 0.95 ; impurity A = about 1.37 ;
impurity G = about 1.41.
System suitability : reference solution (a) :
resolution : minimum 2.0 between the peaks due to
impurity B and dexamethasone sodium phosphate.
See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 8.0

Limits :
correction factor : for the calculation of content, multiply
the peak area of impurity A by 0.75 ;
impurity A : not more than 5 times the area of the principal
peak in the chromatogram obtained with reference
solution (c) (0.5 per cent) ;
impurity G : not more than 3 times the area of the principal
peak in the chromatogram obtained with reference
solution (c) (0.3 per cent) ;
impurities B, C, D, E, F : for each impurity, not more than
twice the area of the principal peak in the chromatogram
obtained with reference solution (c) (0.2 per cent) ;
unspecified impurities : for each impurity, not more than the
area of the principal peak in the chromatogram obtained
with reference solution (c) (0.10 per cent) ;
total : not more than 10 times the area of the principal peak
in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (c)
(1.0 per cent) ;
disregard limit : 0.5 times the area of the principal peak in
the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (c)
(0.05 per cent).
Inorganic phosphates : maximum 1 per cent.
Dissolve 50 mg in water R and dilute to 100 mL with the same
solvent. To 10 mL of this solution add 5 mL of molybdovanadic
reagent R, mix and allow to stand for 5 min. Any yellow colour
in the solution is not more intense than that in a standard
prepared at the same time in the same manner using 10 mL of
phosphate standard solution (5 ppm PO4) R.
Ethanol. Gas chromatography (2.2.28).
Internal standard solution. Dilute 1.0 mL of propanol R to
100.0 mL with water R.
Test solution. Dissolve 0.50 g of the substance to be examined
in 5.0 mL of the internal standard solution and dilute to
10.0 mL with water R.
Reference solution. Dilute 1.0 g of anhydrous ethanol R to
100.0 mL with water R. To 2.0 mL of this solution add 5.0 mL
of the internal standard solution and dilute to 10.0 mL with
water R.
Column :
size : l = 1 m, = 3.2 mm ;
stationary phase : ethylvinylbenzene-divinylbenzene
copolymer R1 (150-180 m).
Carrier gas : nitrogen for chromatography R.
Flow rate : 30 mL/min.
Temperature :
column : 150 C ;
injection port : 250 C ;
detector : 280 C.
Detection : ame ionisation.
Injection : 2 L.
Limit :
ethanol : maximum 3.0 per cent m/m.
Ethanol and water : maximum 13.0 per cent m/m for the sum
of the percentage contents.
Determine the water content using 0.200 g (2.5.12). Add the
percentage content of water and the percentage content of
ethanol obtained in the test for ethanol.
ASSAY
Liquid chromatography (2.2.29).
Test solution. Dissolve 30.0 mg of the substance to be
examined in the mobile phase and dilute to 50.0 mL with the
mobile phase. Dilute 5.0 mL of the solution to 50.0 mL with
the mobile phase.
General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Reference solution (a). Dissolve 2 mg of dexamethasone CRS

(impurity A) and 2 mg of dexamethasone sodium
phosphate CRS in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran R, then dilute to
100.0 mL with the mobile phase. Dilute 5.0 mL of this solution
to 50.0 mL with the mobile phase.
Reference solution (b). Dissolve 30.0 mg of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate CRS in the mobile phase and dilute to
50.0 mL with the mobile phase. Dilute 5.0 mL of the solution
to 50.0 mL with the mobile phase.
Column :
size : l = 0.15 m, = 4.6 mm ;
stationary phase : end-capped octadecylsilyl silica gel for
chromatography R (7 m).
Mobile phase : mix 520 mL of water R with 2 mL of phosphoric
acid R. Adjust the temperature to 20 C, then adjust to pH 2.6
with sodium hydroxide R. Mix this solution with 36 mL of
tetrahydrofuran R and 364 mL of methanol R.
Flow rate : 1.5 mL/min.
Detection : spectrophotometer at 254 nm.
Injection : 20 L.
Run time : 3 times the retention time of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate.
Identification of impurities: use the chromatogram obtained
with reference solution (a) to identify the peak due to
impurity A.
Relative retention with reference to dexamethasone
sodium phosphate (retention time = about 8 min) :
impurity A = about 2.0.
System suitability : reference solution (a) :
resolution : minimum 6.0 between the peaks due to
dexamethasone sodium phosphate and impurity A.
Calculate the percentage content of C22H28FNa2O8P using
the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (b) and
taking into account the assigned content of dexamethasone
sodium phosphate CRS.
STORAGE
In an airtight container, protected from light.
IMPURITIES
Specified impurities : A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
Other detectable impurities (the following substances would,
if present at a sufcient level, be detected by one or other of
the tests in the monograph. They are limited by the general
acceptance criterion for other/unspecied impurities and/or
by the general monograph Substances for pharmaceutical
use (2034). It is therefore not necessary to identify these
impurities for demonstration of compliance. See also 5.10.
Control of impurities in substances for pharmaceutical use) : H.

A. 9-uoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4diene-3,20-dione (dexamethasone),

B. 9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,20-dioxopregna1,4-dien-21-yl dihydrogen phosphate (betamethasone

phosphate),

2017

Dexchlorpheniramine maleate

C, D, E, F. for each impurity, one or more diastereoisomer(s)

of (9-uoro-11,17a-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,17-dioxoD-homo-androsta-1,4-dien-17a-yl)methyl dihydrogen
phosphate (undened stereochemistry at C-16 and C-17a),
or (9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,17a-dioxoD-homo-androsta-1,4-dien-17-yl)methyl dihydrogen
phosphate (undened stereochemistry at C-17),

G. 9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3-oxoandrosta1,4-diene-17-carboxylic acid,

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 8.0

A. Specic optical rotation (see Tests).

B. Melting point (2.2.14) : 110 C to 115 C.
C. Infrared absorption spectrophotometry (2.2.24).
Preparation : discs of potassium bromide R.
Comparison : dexchlorpheniramine maleate CRS.
D. Thin-layer chromatography (2.2.27).
Test solution. Dissolve 0.10 g of the substance to be
examined in methanol R and dilute to 5.0 mL with the
same solvent.
Reference solution. Dissolve 56 mg of maleic acid R in
methanol R and dilute to 10 mL with the same solvent.
Plate : TLC silica gel F254 plate R.
Mobile phase : water R, anhydrous formic acid R, methanol R,
di-isopropyl ether R (3:7:20:70 V/V/V/V).
Application : 5 L.
Development : over a path of 12 cm.
Drying : in a current of air for a few minutes.
Detection : examine in ultraviolet light at 254 nm.
Results : the chromatogram obtained with the test solution
shows 2 clearly separated spots. The upper spot is similar in
position and size to the spot in the chromatogram obtained
with the reference solution.
E. To 0.15 g in a porcelain crucible add 0.5 g of anhydrous
sodium carbonate R. Heat over an open ame for 10 min.
Allow to cool. Take up the residue with 10 mL of dilute
nitric acid R and lter. To 1 mL of the ltrate add 1 mL of
water R. The solution gives reaction (a) of chlorides (2.3.1).

TESTS
Solution S. Dissolve 2.0 g in water R and dilute to 20.0 mL
with the same solvent.
Appearance of solution. Solution S is clear (2.2.1) and not
more intensely coloured than reference solution BY6 (2.2.2,
H. 9-uoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-3,20-dioxopregnMethod II).
4-en-21-yl dihydrogen phosphate.
pH (2.2.3) : 4.5 to 5.5.
Dissolve 0.20 g in 20 mL of water R.
01/2008:1196 Specic optical rotation (2.2.7) : + 22 to + 23 (dried
corrected 6.8 substance), determined on solution S.
Related substances. Gas chromatography (2.2.28).
DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE Test solution. Dissolve 10.0 mg of the substance to be
examined in 1.0 mL of methylene chloride R.
Dexchlorpheniramini maleas
Reference solution. Dissolve 5.0 mg of brompheniramine
maleate CRS in 0.5 mL of methylene chloride R and add 0.5 mL
of the test solution. Dilute 0.5 mL of this solution to 50.0 mL
with methylene chloride R.
Column :
material : glass ;
size : l = 2.3 m, = 2 mm ;
stationary phase : acid- and base-washed silanised
diatomaceous earth for gas chromatography R (135-175 m)
C20H23ClN2O4
Mr 390.9
impregnated with 3 per cent m/m of a mixture of 50 per
[2438-32-6]
cent of poly(dimethyl)siloxane and 50 per cent of
poly(diphenyl)siloxane.
DEFINITION
Carrier
gas : nitrogen for chromatography R.
(3S)-3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-3-(pyridin-2Flow rate : 20 mL/min.
yl)propan-1-amine (Z)-butenedioate.
Temperature :
Content : 98.0 per cent to 100.5 per cent (dried substance).
column : 205 C ;
CHARACTERS
injection port and detector : 250 C.
Appearance : white or almost white, crystalline powder.
Detection : ame ionisation.
Solubility : very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol
Injection : 1 L.
(96 per cent), in methanol and in methylene chloride.
Run time : 2.5 times the retention time of dexchlorpheniramine.
IDENTIFICATION
System suitability : reference solution :
First identification : A, C, E.
resolution : minimum 1.5 between the peaks due to
dexchlorpheniramine and brompheniramine.
Second identification : A, B, D, E.

2018

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)