A colorimetric method for the analysis of escitalopram oxalate in pure form and in tablets has been developed based on the formation of chloroform soluble ion associates with bromocresol green acidic dye. The extract of ion associates exhibited absorption maxima at 417 nm obeying Beer's law in the range of 2-10 µg/ml. The method is simple, precise and accurate with recovery of 98-102% and does not require any separation of soluble excipients from tablet dosage form.
Keywords: Escitalopram oxalate; colorimetry; validation.