Comparison of zero- and second-order derivative spectrophotometric and HPLC methods for the determination of gemcitabine in human plasma

Zero- and second-order derivative spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were developed and validated for the determination of gemcitabine in human plasma. Spectrophotometrically, gemcitabine was determined by means of zero-order derivative absorbance values (A) at 288 nm and from values from the second-order derivative absorbance values (2D) at 285 nm. Beer's Law was obeyed in the range 0.50-15.0 microg ml(-1). The proposed other method, normal-phase HPLC method for determination of gemcitabine in human plasma was described. Calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 0.20-15.0 microg ml(-1). Quantitation was achieved by diode array detection at 272 nm using 2'-deoxycytidine as internal standard. Results obtained by spectrophotometric and HPLC methods for determination of gemcitabine in human plasma described in this paper showed adequate accuracy, precision and repeatability. No interference was found in plasma at the selected derivative wavelength and chromatographic conditions. According to the statistical comparison, there is no significant difference between the three methods. This is suggested that the three methods are equally applicable.