HPLC Separation of Drugs in Advil Allergy and Sinus

Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of chlorpheniramine, ibuprofen, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu in common over-the-counter medication (Advil, NyQuil, Tylenol, etc.)
Active ingredients of Advil Allergy and Sinus composition are separated by combination of reverse phase, cation-exchange and anion exchange mechanisms. Obelisc R mixed-mode column is used to separate pseudoephedrine (polar basic compound), chlorpheniramine (hydrophobic basic compound), ibuprofen (hydrophobic acidic compound) and maleic acid (counter-ion, hydrophilic acid compound). Method can be used for QC in production, impurity profiling and research and development. All compounds are well separated with high efficiency and good peak shape. Method uses ammonium formate buffer but other buffers can be used as well (ammonium acetate, sodium and ammonium phosphate) with corresponding detection technique – ELSD, LC/MS, and UV. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.