Enantioselective determination of cetirizine in human plasma by normal-phase liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometry

Continuous synthesis of BaFe2O4 and BaFe12O19 nanoparticles in a droplet microreactor for efficient detection of antihistamine drugs in oral fluid using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) has received considerable attention as a complementary approach to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), offering substantial potential for analyzing molecules in the low-mass region. Herein, we propose a facile method, a microreactor for the synthesis of two types of barium ferrite (BaFe2O4 and BaFe12O19) nanoparticles (NPs) within moving droplets for detecting antihistamine (AH) drugs in oral fluid (OF). The synthesized BaFe2O4 and BaFe12O19 NPs exhibited small particle size, good ultraviolet absorption, and excellent performance in SALDI-MS, as determined by survival yield measurements. The limits-of-detection for AH drugs were in the range of 1 pg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1, and spot-spot reproducibility of the SALDI substrates was satisfactory. Moreover, when analyzing cetirizine in OF, the obtained recoveries of cetirizine were 101% and 99% using BaFe2O4 and BaFe12O19 NP, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed method was validated by analyzing OF samples from a healthy volunteer who consumed a 5 mg levocetirizine tablet for seven days. SALDI-MS analysis confirmed the successful detection of endogenous components, the parent ion of cetirizine, and other exogenous substances. This study reports an advanced application of droplet microreactor technology for designing and synthesizing a wide range of novel and efficient SALDI-MS substrates for various applications.

New Electrochemical Sensor Based on Hierarchical Carbon Nanofibers with NiCo Nanoparticles and Its Application for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Determination

A new electrochemical sensor based on hierarchical carbon nanofibers with Ni and Co nanoparticles (eCNF/CNT/NiCo-GCE) was developed. The presented sensor may be characterized by high sensitivity, good electrical conductivity, and electrocatalytic properties. Reproducibility of its preparation expressed as %RSD (relative standard deviation) was equal to 9.7% (n = 5). The repeatability of the signal register on eCNF/CNT/NiCo-GCE was equal to 3.4% (n = 9). The developed sensor was applied in the determination of the antihistamine drug—cetirizine hydrochloride (CTZ). Measurement conditions, such as DPV (differential pulse voltammetry) parameters, supporting electrolyte composition and concentration were optimized. CTZ exhibits a linear response in three concentration ranges: 0.05–6 µM (r = 0.988); 7–32 (r = 0.992); and 42–112 (r = 0.999). Based on the calibration performed, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated and were equal to 14 nM and 42 nM, respectively. The applicability of the optimized method for the determination of CTZ was proven by analysis of its concentration in real samples, such as pharmaceutical products and body fluids (urine and plasma). The results were satisfactory and the calculated recoveries (97–115%) suggest that the method may be considered accurate. The obtained results proved that the developed sensor and optimized method may be used in routine laboratory practice.

Flow injection-chemiluminescence determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride in pharmaceuticals using tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II)-Ag(III) complex reaction

A simple and sensitive flow injection-chemiluminescence (FI-CL) method was developed for determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride (CTZH) in pharmaceuticals. The method is primarily based on the enhancement effect of CTZH on the tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II)-diperiodatoargentate (III) ([Ru(bpy)₃ ]²⁺ -Ag(III) complex) CL system in an acidic medium. The optimum investigated variables of the CL reaction were: [Ru(bpy)₃ ]²⁺ , 50 × 10^-6 mol/L; sulfuric acid, 1.0 × 10^-3 mol/L; Ag(III) complex, 100 × 10^-6 mol/L; potassium hydroxide, 1.0 × 10^-3 mol/L; flow rate, 3.0 ml/min and sample loop volume, 300 μl. The detection and quantification limits were 2.0 × 10^-4 and 5.0 × 10^-4 mg/L (S/N of 3 and 10) respectively with a linear calibration range of 5.0 × 10^-4 to 7.5 mg/L (R² = 0.9999, n = 11), injection throughput of 110/h and the relative standard deviations of 1.5-3.5% over the range studied. The methodology was successfully applied to determine CTZH in different pharmaceutical samples and validated with a high-performance liquid chromatography method, and resulted in the recovery of 94.6-108.6%. The probable CL reaction mechanism is described in brief.

Levocetirizine Oral Disintegrating Tablet: A Randomized Open-Label Crossover Bioequivalence Study in Healthy Japanese Volunteers

Levocetirizine is classified as a second‐generation antihistamine. Levocetirizine is available for the treatment of allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. This was a single‐center, single‐dose, open‐label, randomized, 2‐way crossover study in healthy Japanese male subjects consisting of 2 parts. Part 1 compared the bioavailability of levocetirizine oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) and levocetirizine immediate‐release tablet (IRT) taken with water in the fasted state in 24 subjects; all subjects completed this part of the trial. In part 2, the bioavailability of levocetirizine ODT without water was compared with that of levocetirizine IRT with water in the fasted state in 48 subjects; 47 subjects completed this part of the trial. Bioequivalence was demonstrated between levocetirizine IRT 5 mg and ODT 5 mg. The safety profiles were generally similar between levocetirizine ODT and levocetirizine IRT, with no serious adverse events, deaths, or adverse events leading to withdrawal reported during the study.

A Novel Two-Step Liquid-Liquid Extraction Procedure Combined with Stationary Phase Immobilized Human Serum Albumin for the Chiral Separation of Cetirizine Enantiomers along with M and P Parabens

The research into the separation of drug enantiomers is closely related to the safety and efficiency of the drugs. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and validated HPLC method to analyze cetirizine enantiomers. In the case of liquid dosage forms, besides the active substance in large amounts there are usually also inactive ingredients such as methyl- and propylparaben. Unfortunately, these compounds can interfere with the analyte, inter alia during chiral separation of the analyte enantiomers. The proposed innovative two-step liquid-liquid extraction procedure allowed for the determination of cetirizine enantiomers (along with M and P parabens) also in liquid dosage forms. The main focus of this study was the chromatographic activity of cetirizine dihydrochloride on the proteinate-based chiral stationary phase. The chromatographic separation of cetirizine enantiomers was performed on an immobilized human serum albumin (HSA) column for the first time. Measurements were performed at a wavelength of 227 nm. Under optimal conditions, baseline separation of two enantiomers was obtained with 1.43 enantioseparation factor (α) and 1.82 resolution (R_s). Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the selected pharmaceutical formulations.

Cetirizine Quantification by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), positive ion electrospray ionization, LC/MS/MS method is described for the quantification of cetirizine. The compound was isolated from human plasma by protein precipitation using acetonitrile. Cetirizine d4 was used as an internal standard. Chromatographic conditions were achieved using a C18 column and a combination of ammonium acetate, water, and methanol as the mobile phase. MRMs were: cetirizine, 389.26 → 165.16, 201.09; cetirizine d4, 393.09 → 165.15, 201.10. Calibration curves were constructed by plotting the peak area ratios of the calibrators' target MRM transition area to labeled internal standard target MRM transition area versus concentration.

Enantioseparation of Six Antihistamines with Immobilized Cellulose Chiral Stationary Phase by HPLC

A stereoselective high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the chiral separation of the enantiomers of six antihistamines, doxylamine, carbinoxamine, dioxopromethazine, oxomemazine, cetirizine and hydroxyzine. The effects of mobile phase additive, column temperature and flow rate on the retention time and resolution were studied. Enantiomeric separation of cetirizine, doxylamine and hydroxyzine were achieved on cellulose tris-(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate) immobilized on silica gel chiral stationary phase known as Chiralpak IC (RS = 3.74, RS = 1.85 and RS = 1.74, respectively).

Comparison of levocetirizine pharmacokinetics after single doses of levocetirizine oral solution and cetirizine dry syrup in healthy Japanese male subjects

Objective

Levocetirizine, the R-enantiomer of cetirizine, is classified as a second generation antihistamine used for the treatment of allergic disorders. This study aimed to compare exposure to levocetirizine when given as levocetirizine oral solution (OS) 5 mg to that when given as cetirizine dry syrup (DS) 10 mg, which contains equal proportions of levocetirizine and dextrocetirizine, in healthy Japanese male subjects.

Methods

The study was conducted in an open-label, single dose, randomized and two-way cross-over design. Eligible subjects were allocated to one of two groups and received either levocetirizine OS 5 mg or cetirizine DS 10 mg under fasting conditions, and the alternate treatment after a 7-days washout period. Serial blood samples were taken after each administration, and plasma levocetirizine concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using non-compartmental analysis. Comparisons of levocetirizine pharmacokinetics were conducted with maximum concentration (C_max) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from dosing until 48 h post-dose (AUC_0–48) after each treatment.

Clinical Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01622283

Results

The mean C_max and AUC_0–48 of levocetirizine after a single dose of levocetirizine OS 5 mg and cetirizine DS 10 mg were 203.3 ± 42.49 ng/mL and 1814.9 ± 304.22 ng.hr/mL, and 196.5 ± 31.31 ng/mL and 1710.5 ± 263.31 ng hr/mL, respectively. The ratios and the 90% CIs of the geometric least squares means ratios of C_max and AUC_0–48 were 1.027 (0.968–1.091) and 1.059 (1.024–1.094), respectively.

Limitation

The small sample size and single dose design of this study prevent definitive conclusions regarding the pharmacokinetics and safety of levocetirizine OS in a Japanese patient population being made. Study limitations include conducting the study in adult males, not in children.

Conclusions

Levocetirizine exposure in plasma was equivalent when given as levocetirizine OS 5 mg and as cetirizine DS 10 mg. Both preparations were safe and well-tolerated in healthy Japanese male subjects.