Abstract
Determination of methadone (MET) in biological fluids can serve to adjust dosages in patients suffering from cancer pain or participating in methadone maintenance programs. We developed a gas chromatographic assay using nitrogen-phosphorus detection. The method involves a single-step extraction from alkalized plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine into n-hexane/isoamylalcohol (99/1, v/v). Dextropropoxyphene was used as internal standard. Separation was achieved with a silica SE-52-CB column (13 m × 0.25-mm I.D.). The method was validated for the determination of MET in plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid with a quantification limit of 0.5 ng/ mL. The coefficients of variation for within-day and between-day precision were within 10.2 and 14.1%, respectively. Approximately 100 samples can be analyzed by one person in the course of a working day, making the method applicable to routine drug monitoring. The method was demonstrated to be sensitive and accurate for pharmacokinetic studies in plasma, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
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Schmidt, N., Sittl, R., Brune, K. et al. Rapid Determination of Methadone in Plasma, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Urine by Gas Chromatography and Its Application to Routine Drug Monitoring. Pharm Res 10, 441–444 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018904825958
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018904825958