Fluorimetric determination of ampicillin and epicillin

Abstract

A fluorimetric method is described for the determination of ampicillin and epicillin in aqueous solution and plasma. Alkaline degradation followed by heating at 100°C yields a strong fluorescent derivative from each of these antibiotics. Formaldehyde catalyses the formation of the fluorescent derivative. Structural similarities between the side chains of these antibiotics and their identical excitation and emission spectra suggest that both the antibiotics may be forming similar fluorescent derivatives. The assay does not appear to be interfered with the common drugs administered together with ampicillin and epicillin.