Spectrophotometric Methods for Paracetamol Determination in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Concise Analytical Review

Abstract

Paracetamol is a widely used medicine that helps with pain and lowers fever. Spectroscopic techniques are popular because they are easy to use and not too costly. This review examines the most common spectroscopic methods used to test paracetamol. It explains how each method works, when it is used, and how they compare to each other. It also checks whether these methods meet the standards required for use in medicine and hospitals. The review includes articles and reports from 2015 to 2025, covering studies on direct UV-Visible spectroscopy, derivative spectroscopy, ratio and difference spectroscopy, and methods that rely on color changes. These methods were tested against ICH validation standards to make sure they are accurate. They have been proven to work well in testing paracetamol in various medicines and in body fluids like blood and urine. They are sensitive, give consistent results, and are easy to use. Derivative and color-based methods are especially helpful in more complex situations or when medicines interact with each other. Spectroscopic methods are still a good option for testing paracetamol because they are flexible and simple. It is recommended that these methods be used more in medicine and hospitals. Future studies should explore using them with new technologies like nanotechnology or computer-based tools to make them even better for complex situations.