Electronic and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization of Dicomponent Antimalarial Drugs Sold in Nigeria Drug Stores

Dicomponent antimalarial drugs were purchased from different drug stores in Nigeria. The electronic and vibrational spectra characterization of these drugs was carried out. The electronic spectra of these drugs showed that they absorbed in the ultraviolet and visible region. The presence of chromophores C=C, C=N, S=O were suggested. The functional groups present in the infrared spectra showed that the active ingredients in the drugs were actually present. The suggested active ingredients of the dicomponent drug mixtures are sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine phosphate. Our forensic results showed that the antimalarial drugs are of quality standard.