Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of Commonly Abused Cough-Cold Medications

Abstract

The COVID 19 pandemic took the world by surprise in the year 2020 and its effects are still being felt although governments globally responded by putting in place measures to mitigate its spread. These measures included among others lockdowns, curfews, wearing face masks in public places, hand washing and social distancing. The curfew and lockdowns lead to the closure of public joints, bar and restaurants, somewhat rendering alcohol and other drugs of abuse inaccessible. Most addicts were left with no choice but to lay their hand on anything that could make them high. Cough medications containing antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine malate, antitussives such as dextromethorphan and codeine, decongestants such as phenylephrine and expectorants such as guaifenesin and sleep aids were highly sought because they could be accessed without prescription. These medications were in many cases routinely mixed with soft drinks to make them palatable. Being that their detention by the law enforcing officers is minimal alcohol and drug abusers were able to consume them anytime, and even behind wheels, potentially leading to commission of other social crimes and accidents. This study used thin layer chromatography to analyse common cough–cold medications that were likely to be found in possession of the abusers. Fifteen solvent systems were studied to evaluate which one gave the best isolation separation and identification of the cold medication components. The System comprising ammonia: methanol in the ratio of 2:80 (v/v) and another comprising of methanol: chloroform in the ratio of 10:90 (v/v) were found most suitable for separation. It was further established that iodine fuming was the best visualizing technique for the chromatograms of the cough-cold medication samples preceeding subsequent confirmatory analysis.