Developing and optimizing a validated isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separation of nimodipine and impurities in tablets using experimental design methodology

In the present study an isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was investigated for the separation of nimodipine and impurities (A, B and C) using statistical experimental design. Initially, a full factorial design was used in order to screen five independent factors: type of the organic modifier – methanol or acetonitrile – and concentration, column temperature, mobile phase flow rate and pH. Except pH, the rest examined factors were identified as significant, using ANOVA analysis. The optimum conditions of separation (optimum values of significant factors) determined with the aid of central composite design were: (1) mobile phase: acetonitrile/H₂O (67.5/32.5, v/v), (2) column temperature 40 °C and (3) mobile phase flow rate 0.9 ml/min. The proposed method showed good prediction ability (observed–predicted correlation). The analysis was found to be linear, specific, precise, sensitive and accurate. The method was also studied for robustness and intermediate precision using experimental design methodology. Three commercially available nimodipine tablets were analyzed showing good % recovery and %RSD. No traceable amounts of impurities were found in all products.