The degradation of levofloxacin in infusions exposed to daylight with an identification of a degradation product with HPLC-MS

In this paper the decomposition product of levofloxacin was identified. Levofloxacin was dissolved in 0.9% NaCl, 5% glucose, and Ringer's solution. The solutions were divided into two batches: the first one was exposed to daylight and the second one was protected from it. The solutions were stored at the room temperature. The qualitative analysis of the degradation product was performed using MS and TOF detectors. The quantitative assay was done by a validated HPLC method. Visual inspection and pH assessment were done. Levofloxacin protected from daylight remained stable in 0.9% NaCl, 5% dextrose, and Ringer's solution. A slight decomposition of the analyte was observed in the solutions exposed to daylight with the fastest decomposition rate in Ringer's solution as compared with 0.9% NaCl and 5% dextrose solutions. The degradation product of levofloxacin detected with MS was levofloxacin N-oxide. Levofloxacin solutions should be protected from direct daylight to maintain drug stability. Levofloxacin N-oxide is formed regardless of the solvent used.