NIR spectroscopic investigation of two fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin and ofloxacin, and their tablets for qualitative identification of commercial products on the market.

A rapid and nondestructive identification method for ofloxacin (OFLX) and levofloxacin (LVFX) utilizing diffusion reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was developed. An obvious difference in spectral patterns between LVFX that is used for commercial tablets and LVFX HCl that can be purchased as a reagent at a low price was also observed. These quinolones are especially important for use as drugs against bio-terrorism because of their effectiveness against anthrax infection. Therefore, the possibility of a distribution of counterfeit drugs containing LVFX HCl on the market would be expected. NIR spectroscopic analysis would be applicable to on-site quality analysis that can be carried out easily and nondestructively.