Advances in Analytical Techniques for the Simultaneous Quantification of Azole Antifungals and Corticosteroids in Topical Formulations

<i>Background.</i> The combination of azole antifungals and topical corticosteroids is widely used in treating inflamed superficial mycoses infections. These combinations provide both antifungal activity and anti-inflammatory effects, making them effective for managing various dermatological conditions. <i>Objective.</i> This review explores various quantitative analytical methods used for assessing azole antifungal and corticosteroid combinations in topical formulations. It evaluates techniques employed in studies published between 1999 and 2024, highlighting their advantages and limitations. <i>Main ideas and results.</i> The review examines various analytical techniques, including ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Among these methods, HPLC was the most frequently employed, accounting for approximately 60% of published studies. While HPLC offers high sensitivity and reliability, its dependence on organic solvents and costly instrumentation presents limitations. Alternative methods such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and UV spectrophotometry were also widely utilized. TLC, representing about 14% of studies, was preferred for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while UV spectrophotometry, making up 24.5% of reported methods, was favored for its accessibility and ease of optimization. In contrast, capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was the least commonly used, appearing in only one study (less than 2%), despite its eco-friendly nature and procedural simplicity. <i>Conclusion.</i> Among the various analytical techniques reviewed, HPLC remained the most preferred method due to its accuracy and sensitivity. However, the continued use of UV spectrophotometry and TLC highlights the importance of cost-effective and accessible methods. The minimal adoption of CZE suggests an opportunity for further exploration into eco-friendly analytical alternatives.