Analytical Review on Chromatographic Based Estimation of Hydrocortisone and Camphor in Topical Dosage Forms

Hydrocortisone and camphor are widely used active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in topical formulations for the treatment of various dermatological conditions such as inflammation, pruritus, and muscular pain. Accurate and reliable estimation of these compounds is crucial for ensuring product quality, efficacy, and patient safety. High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has emerged as a preferred analytical technique for the simultaneous estimation of hydrocortisone and camphor due to its high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. This review explores the current analytical approaches for quantifying hydrocortisone and camphor in topical dosage forms, with a focus on HPLC methodologies. It discusses the principles of HPLC and highlights key parameters including mobile phase composition, detection wavelength, flow rate, column selection, and sample preparation techniques that impact method efficiency and resolution. Furthermore, it evaluates the validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) that are essential to comply with regulatory standards. Several studies are analysed to compare their methodological variations and outcomes. The review also emphasizes the significance of method development and optimization for complex matrices like creams, gels, and ointments, where excipients can interfere with accurate detection. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of HPLC- based estimation methods for hydrocortisone and camphor, which can aid in developing standardized protocols for routine quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.