Selective determination of ertapenem and imipenem in the presence of their degradants.

Stability-indicative determination of ertapenem (E(RTM)) and imipenem (I(MPM)) in the presence of their corresponding open-ring degradation products, the metabolites, is investigated. The degradation products have been isolated via acid-degradation, characterized, and confirmed. Selective quantification of E(RTM) or I(MPM) singly in bulk form, pharmaceutical formulations, and/or in the presence of their corresponding degradants is demonstrated. The indication of stability has been undertaken under conditions likely to be expected at normal storage conditions. Among the chromatographic techniques adopted for quantification are coupled thin layer chromatography-densitometry and high-performance liquid chromatography.