Stability-indicating polarographic determination of acyclovir through chelation with nickel(II).

A simple and sensitive, stability-indicating polarographic method was developed for the determination of acyclovir (ACV) in raw materials and dosage forms. The proposed method relies on the chelation of ACV with nickel(II) in Britton Robinson buffer (pH 5) and measuring the resulting polarographic wave either in the direct current (DCt) or differential pulse (DPP) modes. The polarographic wave has been characterized as being catalytic reduction prewave. Different experimental parameters affecting the formation of the Ni-ACV chelate and its polarographic activity were studied and optimized. The current concentration relationship was found to be linear over the range of 0.8-8 and 1-8 microg/mL, with minimum detectabilities of 0.10 and 0.19 microg/mL using DPP and DCt modes, respectively. The method was used to investigate the kinetics of the acid-induced degradation of the drug. The apparent first-order rate constants and half-life times were calculated.