Colour reactions of PH. EUR. for identification of drugs using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) instead of elemental bromine. Analytical methods of pharmacopoeias with DBH in respect to environmental and economical concern, Part 10.

PH. EUR. 2002 and supplements identify aloes (Rosenthaler reaction), amiloride hydrochloride, chlorhexidine, dienestrol, quinidine sulphate, quinine hydrochloride and quinine sulphate (Thalleioquine reaction) and trifluoperazine hydrochloride using elemental bromine. This colour reaction can be performed better with 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH). Some prescriptions of PH. EUR. have been improved in respect to environmental and economical concern. The identification of amiloride hydrochloride with bromine water according to PH. EUR. 2002 or with DBH shows no UV fluorescence as reported in the pharmacopoeia.