Automated determination of tramadol enantiomers in human plasma using solid-phase extraction in combination with chiral liquid chromatography

Simultaneous determination of tramadol and paracetamol in human plasma using LC-MS/MS and application in bioequivalence study of -fixed-dose combination

The study aimed to develop a sensitive and high-throughput liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify concentrations of tramadol and paracetamol simultaneously in human plasma. Sample preparation involved single-step protein precipitation using methanol and two deuterated internal standards, tramadol D6 and paracetamol D4. Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.1 µm) analytical column was employed to achieve chromatographic separation. Detection was in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. A tailing factor (Tf) of <1.2, separation factor (K prime) of >1.5 from the column dead time and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio >10, were obtained for analytes and internal standards. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 2.5-500.00 ng/mL for tramadol and 0.025-20.00 μg/mL for paracetamol. A small injection volume of 1 µL, low flow rate of 440 µL/min and short analysis time of 3.5 min reduced the solvent consumption, analysis cost and system contamination. The results of method validation parameters fulfilled the acceptance criteria of bioanalytical guidelines. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of fixed-dose combination products of tramadol and paracetamol in Malaysian healthy subjects.

Determination of tramadol by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with GC-MS

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been developed for preconcentration and determination of tramadol, ((±)-cis-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol-HCl), in aqueous and biological samples (urine, blood). DLLME is a simple, rapid and efficient method for determination of drugs in aqueous samples. Efficient factors on the DLLME process has defined and optimized for extraction of tramadol including type of extraction and disperser solvents and their volumes, pH of donor phase, time of extraction and ionic strength of donor phase. Based on the results of this study, under optimal conditions and by using 2-nitro phenol as internal standard, tramadol was determined by GC-MS, and the figures of merit of this work were evaluated. The enrichment factor, relative recovery and limit of detection were obtained 420, 99.2% and 0.08 µg L(-1), respectively. The linear range was between 0.26 and 220.00 µg L(-1) (R(2) = 0.9970). The relative standard deviation for 50.00 µg L(-1) of tramadol in aqueous samples by using 2-nitro phenol as IS was 3.6% (n = 7). Finally, the performance of DLLME was evaluated for analysis of tramadol in urine and blood.

Simultaneous determination of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in human plasma using HPLC-DAD

A sensitive and accurate method for the extraction and quantification of tramadol (T) and its active metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol (ODT) in human plasma with high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was developed and validated. The analytes were extracted from plasma samples by tert-butylmethyl ether in the presence of ammonium hydroxide as alkaline medium and back extraction with 1.0 M hydrochloric acid. Propranolol was used as internal standard. The extraction efficiencies of T and ODT were 83.51 and 78.72%, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (r(2) > 0.99) in the concentration range of 250-2000 ng/mL for T and ODT. Limits of detection and quantification were 125 and 250 ng/mL for both analytes. Intra- and interassay precision for T and ODT were ranged from 1.89 to 10.91% and 2.16 to 5.85%, respectively. Intra- and interassay accuracy for T and ODT were ranged from -13.07 to 4.99% and -2.03 to -6.98%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to quantify T and ODT from authentic plasma samples received from Hospital Sohag University. The method was completely validated and can be of interest to clinical and forensic laboratories.

Preparation and utilization of a molecularly imprinted polymer for solid phase extraction of tramadol

In this paper, a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for tramadol hydrochloride, a drug used to treat moderate to severe pain, was prepared and its use as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent was demonstrated. The molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction procedure followed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (MISPE-HPLC) was developed for selective extraction and determination of tramadol in human plasma and urine. The optimal conditions for molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) consisted of conditioning with 1 mL methanol and 1 mL of deionized water at neutral pH, loading of tramadol sample (50 µg L−1) at pH 7.5, washing using 1 mL acetone and elution with 3 × 1 mL of 10% (v/v) acetic acid in methanol. The MIP selectivity was evaluated by checking several substances with similar molecular structures to that of tramadol. Results from the HPLC analyses showed that the calibration curve of tramadol (using MIP from human plasma and urine) is linear in the ranges of 6–100 and 3–120 µg L−1 with good precisions (1.9% and 2.9% for 5.0 µg L−1), respectively. The recoveries for plasma and urine samples were higher than 81%.

Improved liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of tramadol and its three main metabolites in human plasma, urine and saliva

Tramadol, an analgesic agent, and its main metabolites O-desmethyltramadol (M1), N-desmethyltramadol (M2) and O,N-didesmethyltramadol (M5) were determined simultaneously in human plasma, saliva and urine by a rapid and specific HPLC method. The sample preparation was a simple, one-step, extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved with a Chromolith Performance RP-18e 100 mm x 4.6 mm column, using a mixture of methanol:water (19:81, v/v) adjusted to pH 2.5 by phosphoric acid, in an isocratic mode at flow rate of 2 ml/min. Fluorescence detection (lambda(ex) 200 nm/lambda(em) 301 nm) was used. The calibration curves were linear (r(2)>0.996) in the concentration ranges in plasma, saliva and urine. The lower limit of quantification was 2.5 ng/ml for all compounds. The within- and between-day precisions in the measurement of QC samples at four tested concentrations were acceptable in all analyzed body fluids The developed procedure was applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its main metabolites following administration of 100mg single oral dose of tramadol to healthy volunteers.

Stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of tramadol and its O-demethylated (M1) and N,O-demethylated (M5) metabolites in human plasma

A stereospecific method for simultaneous quantitation of the enantiomers of tramadol (T) and its active metabolites O-demethyl tramadol (M1) and O-demethyl-N-demethyl tramadol (M5) in human plasma is reported. After the addition of penbutolol (IS), plasma (0.5 ml) samples were extracted into methyl tert-butyl ether, followed by back extraction into an acidic solution. The separation was achieved using a Chiralpak AD column with a mobile phase of hexanes:ethanol:diethylamine (94:6:0.2) and a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The fluorescence of analytes was then detected at excitation and emission wavelengths of 275 and 300 nm, respectively. All the six enantiomeric peaks of interest plus three unknown metabolite peaks and IS peak (a total of 10 peaks) eluted within 23 min, free from endogenous interference. The assay was validated in the plasma concentration range of 2.5-250 ng/ml, with a lower limit of quantitation of 2.5 ng/ml, for all the six analytes. The extraction efficiency (n=5) was close to 100% for both T and M1 enantiomers and 85% for M5 and IS enantiomers. The application of the assay was demonstrated by simultaneous measurement of plasma concentrations of T, M1, and M5 enantiomers in a healthy volunteer after the administration of 50 mg oral doses of racemic T.

Validation of a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of tramadol and its impurities in oral drops as a pharmaceutical formulation

The novel, rapid high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of tramadol hydrochloride and its three impurities was developed and validated. The method can simultaneously assay potassium sorbate, used as preservative, and saccharin sodium, used as sweetener in tramadol pharmaceutical formulation. The separation was carried out on a C(18) XTerra (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 mm) column using acetonitrile-0.015 M Na(2)HPO(4) buffer (2:8, v/v) as mobile phase (pH value 3.0 was adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) at a flow rate 1.0 ml min(-1), temperature of the column 20 degrees C and UV detection at 218 nm. The method was found to be linear (r > 0.999) in the range of 0.05-0.8 mg ml(-1) for tramadol hydrochloride, 0.1-1.2 mg ml(-1) for impurities B and C and for impurity A (r > 0.995) in the range 0.15-2.4 mg ml(-1). The low RSD values indicate good precision and high recovery values indicate excellent accuracy of the HPLC method. Developed method was successfully applied to the determination of tramadol hydrochloride, its investigated impurities and potassium sorbate in commercial formulation. The recovery of tramadol hydrochloride was 98.25% and RSD was 1.80%. The method is rapid and sensitive enough to be used to analyse Trodon oral drops.

Enhanced method performances for conventional and chiral CE-ESI/MS analyses in plasma

Due to its high efficiency, selectivity, and sensitivity, CE-ESI/MS has evolved as an efficient technique for the drugs and metabolites analysis in biological matrices. However, a sample preparation is mandatory prior to CE-ESI/MS analysis. To achieve fast and simplified sample preparation of plasma samples, protein precipitation (PP) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) were used with two injection techniques: hydrodynamic (HD) and electrokinetic (EK) injection. CE-ESI/MS analyses of pharmaceutical compounds and amphetamine derivatives were developed. Detection limits of 1 ppm were reached with PP and HD injection whereas 1 ppb was detected when samples were prepared with LLE and injected by EK. Same experiments were performed for stereoselective determinations in partial-filling mode and detection limits achieved were equivalent to conventional analysis (0.5 ppb per enantiomer). When complex matrices are analyzed, MS signal suppression or enhancement effects are generally not reproducible and could compromise results with ESI. Therefore, matrix effect was investigated in CE-ESI/MS with a commercially available coaxial sheath-liquid ESI interface used as postcapillary infusion system to determine MS signal alterations. Matrix effects were differentially evidenced according to the selected sample preparation. With PP, signal suppression was observed out of the analyses migration window, while for LLE no relevant matrix effect occurred in all experiments.

Investigation of the pharmacokinetics and determination of tramadol in rabbit plasma by a high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector method using liquid–liquid extraction

An HPLC system using a new, simple and rapid liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method (HPLC-DAD) detection was validated to determine tramadol concentration in rabbit plasma. The method described was applied to a pharmacokinetic study of intravenous tramadol injections in rabbits. The extraction with ethylacetate yielded good response. The recovery of tramadol from plasma averaged 90.40%. Serial plasma samples were obtained prior to, during and after completion of the infusion for determination of tramadol concentrations. Tramadol concentrations were measured using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic application with intravenous tramadol in rabbits revealed that tramadol followed one-compartment open model. Maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) for tramadol were 14.3 microg mL(-1) and 42.2 microg h mL(-1), respectively. The method developed was successfully applied to a simple, rapid, specific, sensitive and accurate HPLC method for investigation of the pharmacokinetics of tramadol in rabbit plasma.

Migration behaviour and separation of tramadol metabolites and diastereomeric separation of tramadol glucuronides by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis with UV detection was used to separate tramadol (TR), a centrally acting analgesic, and its five phase I (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and three phase II metabolites (glucuronides of M1, M4 and M5). Several factors were evaluated in optimisation of the separation: pH and composition of the background electrolyte and the influence of a micellar modifier, sodium dodecyl sulfate. Baseline separation of TR and all the analytes was obtained with use of 65 mM tetraborate electrolyte solution at pH 10.65. The lowest concentrations of the analytes that could be detected were below 1 microM for the O-methylated, below 2 microM for the phenolic and ca. 7 microM for the glucuronide metabolites. The suitability of the method for screening of real samples was tested with an authentic urine sample collected after a single oral dose (50 mg) of TR. After purification and five-fold concentration of the sample (solid-phase extraction with Oasis MCX cartridges), the parent drug TR and its metabolites M1, M1G, M5 and M5G were easily detected, in comparison with standards, in an interference-free area of the electropherogram. Diastereomeric separation of TR glucuronides in in vitro samples was achieved with 10 mM ammonium acetate-100 mM formic acid electrolyte solution at pH 2.75 and with basic micellar 25 mM tetraborate-70 mM SDS electrolyte solution at pH 10.45. Both separations showed that glucuronidation in vitro produces glucuronide diastereomers in different amounts. The authentic TR urine sample was also analysed by micellar method, but unambiguous identification of the glucuronide diastereomers was not achieved owing to many interferences.

Synthesis of d1-N-ethyltramadol as an internal standard for the quantitative determination of tramadol in human plasma by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assay for the determination of tramadol in human plasma is presented. The synthesis of an N-ethyl analogue of the drug is described and its use as an internal standard for the quantitative measurement of tramadol in human plasma is described. The method involves extraction at plasma pH and analysis of the underivatized drug by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry using m/z 58 and 73 for detection of tramadol and internal standard, respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5-640 ng/ml plasma (r=0.9999). The method was validated in the abovementioned calibration range. Data on solution stability, long- and short-term stability of tramadol in plasma samples, freeze-thaw-stability, as well as inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy have been evaluated and are presented. The application of the method to the pharmacokinetic profiling of the drug is demonstrated.

Simultaneous stereoselective analysis of tramadol and its primary phase I metabolites in plasma by liquid chromatography

This paper describes a bioanalytical method involving a simple liquid-liquid extraction for the simultaneous HPLC determination of the enantiomers of tramadol, the active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (M1), and the other main metabolite N-desmethyltramadol (M2) in biological samples. Chromatography was performed at 5 degrees C on a Chiracel OD-R column containing cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as chiral selector, preceded by a achiral end-capped C8 column (LiChrospher 60-RP-selected B 5 microm, 250 mm x 4 mm). The mobile phase was a mixture of phosphate buffer containing sodium perchlorate (1 M) adjusted to pH 2.5-acetonitrile-N,N-dimethyloctylamine (74.8:25:0.2). The flow rate was 0.5 ml/min. Fluorescence detection (lambda(ex) 200 nm/lambda(em) 301 nm) was used. Fluconazol was selected as internal standard. The limit of quantitation of each enantiomer of tramadol and their metabolites was 0.5 ng/ml (sample size = 0.5 ml). The chiral conditions and the LC optimisation were investigated in order to select the most appropriate operating conditions. The method developed has also been validated. Mean recoveries above of 95% for each enantiomer were obtained. Calibration curves for tramadol enantiomers (range 1-500 ng/ml), M1 enantiomers (range 0.5-100 ng/ml), and M2 enantiomers (range 0.5-250 ng/ml) were linear with coefficients of correlation better than 0.996. Within-day variation determined on four different concentrations showed acceptable values. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was determined to be less than 10%. This method was successfully used to investigate plasma concentration of enantiomers of tramadol, O-desmethyltramadol and N-desmethyltramadol in a pharmacokinetic study.

Determination of tramadol in hair using solid phase extraction and GC-MS

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic with mu-opioid receptor agonist activity, it is a widely prescribed analgesic used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain and as an alternative to opiates. Tramadol causes less respiratory depression than morphine at recommended doses. Its efficacy and low incidence of side effects lead to its unnecessary prescribing in patients with mild pain. Tramadol was classified as a "controlled drug" long after its approval for use in Jordan. Analysis of drugs of abuse in hair has been used in routine forensic toxicology as an alternative to blood in studying addiction history of drug abusers. A method for the determination of tramadol in hair using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is presented, the method offers excellent precision (3.5-9.8%, (M)=6.77%), accuracy (6.9-12%, M=9.4%) and limit of detection 0.5 ng/mg. The recovery was in the range of 87-94.3% with an average of 90.75%. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 0.5-5.0 ng/mg hair with correlation coefficient of 0.998. The developed method was tested on 11 hair samples taken from patients using tramadol as prescribed by their physician along with other different drugs in treating chronic illnesses. Tramadol was detected in all hair samples at a concentration of 0.176-16.3 ng/mg with mean concentration of 4.41 ng/mg. The developed method has the potential of being applied in forensic drug hair testing. In Jordan, hair drug testing started to draw the attention of legal authorities which stimulated forensic toxicologists in recent years to develop methods of analysis of drugs known or have the potential to be abused.

Sensitive determination of buprenorphine and its N-dealkylated metabolite norbuprenorphine in human plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

A highly sensitive method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed for the quantitative determination of buprenorphine and its active metabolite norbuprenorphine in human plasma. Automated solid phase extraction (SPE) on disposable extraction cartridges (DEC) is used to isolate the compounds from the biological matrix and to prepare a cleaner sample before injection and analysis in the LC-MS/MS system. After conditioning, the plasma sample (1.0 ml) is loaded on the DEC filled with octyl silica (C8) and washed with water. The analytes are, therefore, eluted by dispensing methanol containing 0.1% of acetic acid. The eluate is collected and evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in mobile phase and an aliquot is injected in the LC-MS/MS system. On-line LC-MS/MS system using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) has been developed for the determination of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. The separation is obtained on a RP-18 stationary phase using a mobile phase consisting in a mixture of methanol and 50 mM ammonium acetate solution (50:50, v/v). Clonazepam is used as internal standard (IS). The MS/MS ion transitions monitored are m/z 468-->468, 414-->414 and 316-->270 for buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine and clonazepam, respectively. The method was validated regarding recovery, linearity, precision and accuracy. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were around 10 pg/ml for buprenorphine and 50 pg/ml for norbuprenorphine.

Stereoselective determination of pyridoglutethimide enantiomers in serum with a chiral cellulose-based high-performance liquid chromatographic column using solid phase extraction and UV detection

A sensitive method for the separation and determination of R(+)- and S(-) enantiomers of pyridoglutehimide in serum by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection was developed. The assay involves the use of a solid-phase extraction for serum sample clean-up prior to HPLC analysis using a C18 Bond-Elute column. Chromatographic resolution of the enantiomers was performed on a reversed-phase cellulose-based chiral column (Chiralcel OD-R, 250 x 4.6 mm I.D.) under isocratic conditions using a mobile phase of 25:75 v/v acetonitrile-0.3 M aqueous sodium perchlorate (pH 6.2 adjusted with perchloric acid) at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. Recoveries for R(+)- and S(-)-pyridoglutethimide enantiomers were in the range 86-91% at 300-900 ng/ml level. Intra-day and inter-day precision calculated as %R.S.D. were in the ranges of 2.9-3.9 and 1.5-4.7% for both enantiomers, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day accuracies calculated as percentage error were in the ranges of 1.9-3.3 and 1.5-3.9% for both enantiomers, respectively. Linear calibration curves in the concentration ranges of 100-1500 ng/ml for each enantiomer show correlation coefficient (r) of more than 0.9995. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of each enantiomer was 100 ng/ml using 1 ml of serum. The detection limit (LOD) for each enantiomer in serum using a UV detection set at 257 nm was 50 ng/ml (S/N = 2).

Kinetic spectrophotometric determination of tramadol hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulation

Two simple and sensitive kinetic methods for the determination of tramadol hydrochloride are described. The first method is based upon a kinetic investigation of the oxidation reaction of the drug with alkaline potassium permanganate at room temperature for a fixed time at 20 min. The absorbance of the colored manganate ions was measured at 610 nm. The second method is based on the reaction of tramadol hydrochloride with 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl) in presence of 0.1 M sodium bicarbonate. The spectrophotometric measurements were recorded by measuring the absorbance at 467 nm, at fixed time at 25 min on thermostated water bath at 90+/-1 degrees C. All variables affecting the development of the colour have been investigated and the conditions were optimised. The absorbance concentration plots in both methods were rectilinear over the range 5-25 and 50-250 microg ml(-1), for the first and second methods, respectively. The two methods have been applied successfully to commercial capsule and ampoule dosage form. The results obtained are compared statistically with those given by the reference spectrophotometric method. The determination of tramadol hydrochloride by the fixed concentration and rate constant methods is feasible with the calibration equations obtained, but the fixed time method proves to be more applicable.

Differential tramadol and O-desmethyl metabolite levels in brain vs. plasma of mice and rats administered tramadol hydrochloride orally

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a possible differential brain uptake of tramadol vs. its major metabolite (O-desmethyl tramadol; M1) in mice and rats.

METHODS

An extraction and measurement technique (gas chromatograph equipped with a nitrogen phosphorus detector) was used to measure plasma and brain levels of tramadol and M1 at intervals 10-300 min after oral dosing of tramadol hydrochloride to mice and rats.

RESULTS

For all doses of tramadol administered (5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg), tramadol and M1 plasma levels were greatest 10 min after dosing: in mice, peak tramadol plasma levels were 47.75-736.72 ng/mL and peak M1 levels were 75.30-1084.92 ng/mL; in rats, peak tramadol plasma levels were 185.03-455.81 ng/mL and peak M1 levels were 106.74-455.70 ng/mL. Tramadol brain levels were also greatest 10 min after dosing. In mice, peak tramadol brain levels were 226.42-1847.46 ng/g. Peak M1 levels (72.17-572.97 ng/g) occurred 20-60 min after dosing. In rats, peak tramadol brain levels were 258.50-1777.37 ng/g and peak M1 levels were 80.35-289.60 ng/g. In mice, the ratio of tramadol/M1 in plasma was 0.5-1.0 throughout the measurements, whereas the ratio in brain was about 10 at 10 min and about 2 from 20 to 50 min. In rats, the ratio of tramadol/M1 in plasma was 0.5-1.5, whereas the ratio in brain was about 15 at 10 min and about 4-7 thereafter.

CONCLUSION

In mice and rats, there appears to be preferential brain vs. plasma distribution of tramadol over M1.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of tramadol and its O-desmethylated metabolite in blood plasma. Application to a bioequivalence study in humans

Simultaneous HPLC determination of the analgetic agent tramadol, its major pharmacodynamically active metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol) in human plasma is described. Simple methods for the preparation of the standard of the above-mentioned tramadol metabolite and N1,N1-dimethylsulfanilamide (used as the internal standard) are also presented. The analytical procedure involved a simple liquid-liquid extraction of the analytes from the plasma under the conditions described previously. HPLC analysis was performed on a 250x4 mm chromatographic column with LiChrospher 60 RP-selectB 5-microm (Merck) and consists of an analytical period where the mobile phase acetonitrile-0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 2.8 (3:7, v/v) was used, and of a subsequent wash-out period where the plasmatic ballast compounds were eluted from the column using acetonitrile-ultra-high-quality water (8:2, v/v). The whole analysis, including the equilibration preceding the initial analytical conditions lasted 19 min. Fluorescence detection (lambda(ex) 202 nm/lambda(em) 296 nm for tramadol and its metabolite, lambda(ex) 264 nm/lambda(em) 344 nm for N1,N1-dimethylsulfanilamide) was used. The validated analytical method was applied to pharmacokinetic studies of tramadol in human volunteers.

Direct chiral assay of tramadol and detection of the phase II metabolite O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide in human urine using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced native fluorescence detection

A chiral separation using carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin and methyl-beta-cyclodextrin for the direct assay of tramadol in human urine by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced native fluorescence detection was developed. Furthermore, the phase II metabolite O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide was determined from the urine samples and the ratio of the diasteromers was determined. The chiral method was validated. Correlation coefficients were higher than 0.999. Within day variation showed accuracy in the range 96.1-105.8% with a RSD less than 6.00%. Day to day variation present an accuracy ranging from 100.2 to 103.5% with a RSD less than 5.4%. After oral administration of 150 mg tramadol hydrochloride to a healthy volunteer, the urinary excretion was monitored during 24 h. About 11.4% of the dose was excreted as 1S,2S-tramadol, 16.4% as 1R,2R-tramadol and 23.7% as O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide. The amount of 1S,2S O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide was more than three fold higher as IR,2R-O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide. The enantiomeric ratio of tramadol and the diastereomeric ratio of O-demethyl tramadol glucuronide was deviated from 1.0 showing that a stereoselective metabolism of tramadol occurs.

Gas chromatographic method using nitrogen-phosphorus detection for the measurement of tramadol and its O-desmethyl metabolite in plasma and brain tissue of mice and rats

A method that allows the measurement of plasma and brain levels of the centrally-acting analgesic tramadol and its major metabolite (O-desmethyl tramadol) in mice and rats was developed using gas chromatography equipped with nitrogen-phosphorus detection (GC-NPD). Plasma samples were extracted with methyl tert.-butyl ether (MTBE) and were injected directly into the GC system. Brain tissue homogenates were precipitated with methanol, the resulting supernatant was dried then acidified with hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution was washed with MTBE twice, alkalinized, and extracted with MTBE. The MTBE layer was dried, reconstituted and injected into the GC system. The GC assay used a DB-1 capillary column with an oven temperature ramp (135 to 179 degrees C at 4 degrees C/min). Dextromethorphan was used as the internal standard. The calibration curves for tramadol and O-desmethyl tramadol in plasma and brain tissue were linear in the range of 10 to 10000 ng/ml (plasma) and ng/g (brain). Assay accuracy and precision of back calculated standards were within +/- 15%.

Reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of enantiomers on polysaccharide type chiral stationary phases

The direct chiral separation by chiral stationary phases (CSPs) is one of the most important techniques to analyze enantiomeric purity as well as to get enantiomerically pure material quickly. Among various types of CSPs, polysaccharide type CSPs are well known by their versatility and durability. They are not only effective under normal-phase conditions, but also under reversed-phase conditions. In order to get a good separation under the reversed-phase conditions, it is the key to choose an appropriate mobile phase. For example, a simple mixture of water/acetonitrile or water/methanol are sufficient for a neutral analyte, while it is necessary to use an acidic solution instead of water for an acidic analyte and a solution of a chaotropic salt (or a basic solution) for a basic analyte, respectively. The paper also presents lists of more than 350 separation examples that include 22 validated methods for drug analyses from serum, plasma, or urine samples on polysaccharide type CSPs under reversed-phase conditions.

Enantiomeric determination of tramadol and its main metabolite O-desmethyltramadol in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Pharmacokinetic studies require sensitive analytical methods to allow the determination of low concentrations of drugs and metabolites. When drugs present an asymmetric center, the enantiomeric determination of the compounds of interest should be performed. The method developed is based on on-line LC-MS-MS using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization as an interface determination of enantiomers of tramadol (T) and its active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (ODT) in human plasma. This determination is preceded by an off-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) on disposable extraction cartridges (DECs), performed automatically by means of a sample processor equipped with a robotic arm (ASPEC system). The DEC filled with ethyl silica (50 mg) was first conditioned with methanol and water. The washing step was performed with water and the analytes were finally eluted by dispensing methanol. The collected eluate was then evaporated to dryness before being dissolved in the LC mobile phase and injected into the LC system. The enantiomeric separation of tramadol and ODT was achieved on a Chiralpak AD column containing amylose tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as chiral selector. The mobile phase was isohexane-ethanol-diethylamine (97:3:0.1, v/v). The LC system was then coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry system with an APCI interface in the positive ion mode. The chromatographed analytes were detected in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The MS-MS ion transitions monitored were 264-->58 for tramadol, 250-->58 for ODT, and 278-->58 for ethyltramadol, used as internal standard. The method was validated. The recoveries were around 90% for both T and ODT. The method was found to be linear for each enantiomer of both compounds (r2>0.999). The mean RSD values for repeatability and intermediate precision were 3.5 and 6.4% for T enantiomers and 5.0 and 5.6% for ODT enantiomers, respectively. Moreover, the method was found to be selective towards other metabolites, N-desmethyltramadol and N,O-desmethyltramadol (NODT). The method developed was successfully used to investigate plasma concentration of enantiomers of T and ODT in a pharmacokinetic study.

Assay of tramadol in urine by capillary electrophoresis using laser-induced native fluorescence detection

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV laser-induced native fluorescence detection was developed as a sensitive and selective assay for the direct determination of tramadol in human urine without extraction or preconcentration. The main problem in CE is the small inner diameter of the capillary which causes a low sensitivity with instruments equipped with a UV detector. Laser-induced native fluorescence with a frequency doubled argon ion laser at an excitation wavelength of 257 nm was used for the direct assay of tramadol in urine to enhance the limit of detection about 1,000-fold compared to UV absorption detection. The detection system consists of an imaging spectrograph and an intensified CCD camera, which views an illuminated 1.5 mm section of the capillary. This set-up is able to record the whole emission spectra of the analytes to achieve additionally wavelength-resolved electropherograms. In the concentration range of 20 ng/ml-5 microg/ml in human urine coefficients of correlation were better than 0.998. Within-day variation determined on four different concentrations showed accuracies ranging from 90.2 to 108.4%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was determined to be less than 10%. Day-to-day variation presented accuracies ranging from 90.9 to 103.1% with an RSD less than 8%.

Automating solid-phase extraction: current aspects and future prospects

This paper reviews current trends and techniques in automated solid-phase extraction. The area has shown a dramatic growth the number of manuscripts published over the last 10 years, including applications in environmental science, food science, clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical bioanalysis, forensics, analytical biochemistry and organic synthesis. This dramatic increase of more that 100% per year can be attributed to the commercial availability of higher throughput 96-well workstations and extraction plates that allow numerous samples to be processed simultaneously. These so-called parallel-processing workstations represent the highest throughput systems currently available. The advantages and limitations of other types of systems, including discrete column systems and on-line solid-phase extraction are also discussed. Discussions of how automated solid-phase extractions can be developed, generic approaches to automated solid-phase extraction, and three noteworthy examples of automated extractions are given. The last part of the review suggests possible near- and long-term directions of automated solid-phase extraction.

Determination of fenofibric acid in human plasma using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography

The pharmacokinetic studies of fenofibrate require a rapid, selective and robust method to allow the determination of fenofibric acid, its active metabolite, in different biological matrixes (such as plasma, serum or urine). A new fully automated method for the determination of fenofibric acid in plasma has been developed, which involves the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of the analyte from plasma on disposable extraction cartridges (DECs) and reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection. The SPE operations were performed automatically by means of a sample processor equipped with a robotic arm (ASPEC system). The DEC filled with octadecyl silica was first conditioned with methanol and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. A 0.8-ml volume of diluted plasma sample containing the internal standard (sulindac) was then applied on the DEC. The washing step was performed with the same buffer (pH 7.4). Finally, the analytes were successively eluted with methanol (1.0 ml) and 0.04 M phosphoric acid (1.0 ml). After a mixing step, 100 microl of the resultant extract was directly introduced into the HPLC system. The liquid chromatographic (LC) separation of the analytes was achieved on a Nucleosil RP-8 stationary phase (5 microm). The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of methanol and 0.04 M phosphoric acid (60:40, v/v). The analyte was monitored photometrically at 288 nm. The method developed was validated. In these conditions, the absolute recovery of fenofibric acid was close to 100% and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range from 0.25 to 20 microg/ml. The mean RSD values for repeatability and intermediate precision were 1.7 and 3.9% for fenofibric acid. The method developed was successfully used to investigate the bioequivalence between a micronized fenofibrate capsule formulation and a fenofibrate Lidose formulation.

The determination of RWJ-38705 (tramadol N-oxide) and its metabolites in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies using LC-MS/MS

A rapid and reliable analytical method is described for the simultaneous determination of RWJ-38705 (tramadol N-oxide) and several of its major metabolites in the plasma of Sprague-Dawley rats and Beagle dogs. Sample preparation using solid phase extraction was followed by reversed phase liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) detection in the positive ionization mode. The assay was linear for all analytes over concentrations ranging from approximately 6 to 2000 ng/ml. The inter-assay reproducibility was generally less than 15% while accuracy values were within 13% of theoretical. The overall recovery of the analytes ranged from approximately 40 to 64% in rat plasma and 53-75% in dog plasma. This assay has proven to be sensitive, specific and reproducible, and it has been readily implemented in preclinical PK studies. Representative plasma concentration versus time profiles resulting from administration of TNO to rats and dogs are presented in this communication.

Simultaneous stereoselective analysis of tramadol and its main phase I metabolites by on-line capillary zone electrophoresis-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

On-line combination of partial filling capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was demonstrated for the simultaneous enantioseparation of tramadol and its main phase I metabolites. The partial filling technique was efficient at avoiding MS contamination by the chiral selector. Different experimental factors were investigated, including the chiral selector nature and concentration, plug length as well as the separation temperature. The best enantioseparation of the investigated compounds was achieved with a coated polyvinyl alcohol capillary and a 40 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 4.0, adding sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (2.5 mg/ml) as the chiral selector. The charged cyclodextrin not only allowed enantioseparation of tramadol and its metabolites, but also improved the selectivity of compounds with the same molecular mass. Finally, CE-electrospray ionisation-MS was successfully applied to the stereoselective analysis of tramadol and its main metabolites in plasma after a simple liquid-liquid extraction.

Determination of tramadol by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Application to human and rabbit pharmacokinetic studies

A rapid, sensitive, precise and accurate capillary gas chromatographic assay with flame ionization detection was developed for the determination of tramadol in human, rabbit, pig and dog plasma. It is comprised of only a one-step extraction procedure with dichloromethane at pH 11.15 and gas chromatography on a capillary column. The recoveries of tramadol and meperidine (internal standard) were greater than 88%. Calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range 12.5-10,000 ng/ml with a coefficient of variation, both within-day and between-day, of less than 10% at any level. The limit of detection was 8 ng/ml of plasma based on signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Six other clinically used analgesics were investigated to check for potential interferences and their analytical conditions. The specificity of this assay was checked with two major metabolites of tramadol (M1: O-demethyltramadol; M2: N-demethyltramadol). Tramadol in plasma did not decompose significantly at -20 degrees C for 56 days. Pharmacokinetic application with intravenous tramadol in humans and rabbits revealed that tramadol followed a two-compartment open model with one distribution phase and one elimination phase. The distribution and elimination half-lives in humans were 1.02 and 141.9 min. The distribution and elimination half-lives in rabbits were 7.31 and 63.2 min, respectively.

Simultaneous stereoselective analysis by capillary electrophoresis of tramadol enantiomers and their main phase I metabolites in urine

Capillary zone electrophoresis was successfully applied to the enantiomeric resolution of racemic tramadol and its six phase I metabolites using carboxymethylated beta-cyclodextrin (CMB) added to the background electrolyte (BGE). Baseline resolution of tramadol and its metabolites was obtained in less than 30 min using a 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) containing 5 mM of CMB. Chiral determinations of tramadol and its main three metabolites, O-demethyltramadol (M1), N-demethyltramadol (M2) and O-demethyl-N-demethyltramadol (M5), were performed in urine after a simple double liquid-liquid extraction of 200 microliters of biological material. In the tested concentration range (0.5-20 micrograms/ml, except for M2: 0.5-10 micrograms/ml) coefficients of correlation superior than 0.994 were obtained. Within-day variation determined on three different concentrations for each enantiomers showed accuracies ranging from 95.4% to 103.2%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of these assays was determined to be less than 10.0%. Day-to-day variation presented accuracies ranging from 96.3% to 106.5% with a RSD less than 9.0%. After oral administration of 100 mg of tramadol hydrochloride to an healthy volunteer, the urinary excretion was monitored during 30 h. About 15% of the dose was excreted as unchanged tramadol. The enantiomeric ratios of all the excreted analytes, T, M1, M2 and M5, were found to be very different to 1.0, showing that a stereoselective metabolism of tramadol clearly occurred.

Enantiomeric separation of tramadol and its active metabolite in human plasma by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography: application to pharmacokinetic studies

A sensitive and stereoselective high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantitative determination of the analgesic tramadol and O-demethyltramadol, an active metabolite, is described in this work. Ketamine was used as internal standard. The assay involved a single tert-butymethylether extraction and liquid chromatography analysis with fluorescence detection. Chromatography was performed at 20 degrees C on a Chiracel OD-R column containing cellulose tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as stationary phase, preceded by an achiral end-capped C18 column. The mobile phase was a mixture of phosphate buffer (containing sodium perchlorate (0.2 M) and triethylamine (0.09 M) adjusted to pH 6) and acetonitrile (80:20). The method developed was validated. The limit of quantitation of each enantiomer of tramadol and its active metabolite by this method was 0.5 ng/mL; only 0.5 mL of the plasma sample was required for the determination. The calibration curve was linear from 0.5 to 750 ng/mL for tramadol enantiomers, and from 0.5 to 500 ng/mL for O-demethyltramadol enantiomers. Intra and interday precision [coefficient of variation (CV)] did not exceed 10%. Mean recoveries of 95.95 and 97.87% for (+)R,R- and (-)S,S-tramadol and 97.70 and 98.79% for (+)R,R- and (-)S,S-O-demethyltramadol with CVs < 2.15% were obtained. Applicability of the method was demonstrated by a pharmacokinetic study in normal volunteers who received 100 mg of tramadol by the intravenous route.

Affinity Chromatography: A Review of Clinical Applications

Affinity chromatography is a type of liquid chromatography that makes use of biological-like interactions for the separation and specific analysis of sample components. This review describes the basic principles of affinity chromatography and examines its use in the testing of clinical samples, with an emphasis on HPLC-based methods. Some traditional applications of this approach include the use of boronate, lectin, protein A or protein G, and immunoaffinity supports for the direct quantification of solutes. Newer techniques that use antibody-based columns for on- or off-line sample extraction are examined in detail, as are methods that use affinity chromatography in combination with other analytical methods, such as reversed-phase liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. Indirect analyte detection methods are also described in which immunoaffinity chromatography is used to perform flow-based immunoassays. Other applications that are reviewed include affinity-based chiral separations and the use of affinity chromatography for the study of drug or hormone interactions with binding proteins. Some areas of possible future developments are then considered, such as tandem affinity methods and the use of synthetic dyes, immobilized metal ions, molecular imprints, or aptamers as affinity ligands for clinical analytes.

Simultaneous determination of tramadol and its major active metabolite O-demethyltramadol by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A novel, highly sensitive method was developed for simultaneous determination of tramadol and its main active metabolite O-demethyltramadol (ODMT) in rat plasma. The method involves a single-step extraction procedure and a specific determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, using an ethoxy analogue of tramadol (L-233) as internal standard. The dual-electrode detector was operated in the oxidation-screening mode. Absolute recoveries of tramadol and ODMT were about 80%. Calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 10-1000 ng/ml for ODMT and 10-10000 ng/ml for tramadol with intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation not exceeding 10% and 15%, respectively. The limit of quantification for tramadol and ODMT was lower than 15 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml using 100 microl of plasma, respectively. The described method allows an adequate characterization of the plasma vs. time profiles for both compounds.

Achiral and chiral determination of tramadol and its metabolites in urine by capillary electrophoresis

An achiral and chiral separation for the determination of tramadol and its main metabolite O-demethyltramadol in urine samples by CE with UV detection was developed. It was possible to separate tramadol and its phase I and phase II metabolites in one single run using a borate buffer. Furthermore, the simultaneous chiral separation of tramadol and the phase I metabolites was achieved using carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin as chiral selector. To reach the required limits of quantification for the analytes, a preconcentration by solid-phase extraction for the achiral assay and by liquid-liquid extraction for the chiral assay was used. The methods were validated and their applicability was shown by the determination of tramadol and O-demethyltramadol in urine samples.

Determination of tramadol in various dosage forms by capillary isotachophoresis

Cationic capillary isotachophoresis (ITP) with conductometric detection has been used for separating and determining milligram amounts of tramadol [2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexanol hydrochloride] (I) in seven commercial mass-produced pharmaceutical preparations. The optimised ITP electrolyte system consisted of 5 mM potassium picolinate + 5 mM picolinic acid (pH 5.25) as the leading electrolyte and 10 mM formic acid as the terminating electrolyte. The driving and detection currents were 50 microA (for 320 s) and 10 microA, respectively (a single analysis took 12-15 min). Under such conditions the effective mobility of I was determined as 24.26 x 10(-9) m2 V(-1) s(-1) (with tetraethylammonium ion as standard); thermodynamic pKa value of I was 9.44 +/- 0.03 (n = 8) as determined by UV spectrophotometry at 25 degrees C and I = 0.01 (NaCl). The calibration graph relating the ITP zone length to the concentration of I was rectilinear (r = 0.99997) in the range 15-180 mg l(-1) of I. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.21% (n = 6) when determining 60 mg l(-1) of I in pure test solution. Sample pre-treatment of the dosage forms involved dilution or extraction of I with water (for suppositories the extraction was carried out in an ultrasonic bath at 40 degrees C for 10 min). The method was suitable for determining 50 or 100 mg ml(-1) of I in injections and drops, 50 mg of I in capsules, and 100 mg of I in suppositories with RSD values 0.4 to 1% (n = 6). According to the validation procedure based on the standard addition technique the recoveries were 97.2-100.1% of I.

Enantiomeric separation of pirlindole by liquid chromatography using different types of chiral stationary phases

The enantioseparation of pirlindole by liquid chromatography (LC) was investigated using three different chiral stationary phases (CSPs) containing either cellulose tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralcel OD-R), ovomucoid (OVM) or beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). The effects of the mobile phase pH on retention, enantioselectivity and resolution were studied. Methanol and acetonitrile were tested as organic modifiers while the influence of the addition to the mobile phase of sodium alkanesulfonates or sodium perchlorate was also investigated. Sodium perchlorate was only used on the Chiralcel OD-R column while sodium alkanesulfonates were tested as mobile phase additives on the three kinds of CSPs. The enantioseparation of pirlindole could be obtained on all CSPs tested, the best results with respect to chiral resolution being achieved on the Chiralcel OD-R and the OVM columns. The use of sodium octanesulfonate (NaOS) was found to improve the enantioseparation of pirlindole on the OVM column while enantioselectivity was considerably enhanced by addition of sodium perchlorate on the Chiralcel OD-R column.

Use of cyclodextrins in capillary electrophoresis: resolution of tramadol enantiomers

Capillary zone electrophoresis was successfully applied to the enantiomeric resolution of racemic tramadol. Both uncoated and polyacrylamide-coated capillaries were tested for method optimization using either negatively charged or native cyclodextrins (CD) added to the background electrolyte (BGE). The resolution was strongly influenced by the CD type and concentration as well as by the pH and the concentration of the BGE. Among the CDs tested, carboxymethylated-beta-cyclodextrin allowed the baseline separation of tramadol enantiomers. After the method was optimized, it was validated in a coated capillary for enantiomeric analysis of tramadol enantiomers in pharmaceutical formulation, including specificity and elution order, linearity, accuracy and precision, determination of limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), enantiomeric purity linearity, freedom from interference, and stability of sample solutions. Precision at the target concentration was less than 2%, with an accuracy higher than 99%. Furthermore, the method was able to detect 0.3% and to quantify 1% of the minor enantiomer in the presence of the major one at the target value.