Selective determination of ertapenem in the presence of its degradation product

Stability-indicative determination of ertapenem (ERTM) in the presence of its β-lactam open-ring degradation product, which is also the metabolite, is investigated. The degradation product has been isolated, via acid-degradation, characterized and elucidated. Selective quantification of ERTM, singly in bulk form, pharmaceutical formulations and/or in the presence of its major degradant is demonstrated.The indication of stability has been undertaken under conditions likely to be expected at normal storage conditions. Among the spectrophotometric methods adopted for quantification are first derivative (1D), first derivative of ratio spectra (1DD) and bivariate analysis.