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A rapid and reliable analytical method has been developed to quantify the melatonergic antidepressant agomelatine in three matrices, and namely saliva, plasma and dried blood spots. The method is based on the use of liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection exploiting the native fluorescence of agomelatine. For saliva and plasma samples an original microextraction by packed sorbent procedure was implemented obtaining satisfactory extraction yield of the analyte (always higher than 89%) and a good clean-up of the matrices. On the contrary, agomelatine was extracted from dried blood spots by suitable solvent microwave-assisted extraction and injected into chromatographic system. Satisfactory results in terms of sensitivity, linearity, precision, selectivity and accuracy were obtained. Thus, the developed method seems to be suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of depressed patients under agomelatine therapy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: A novel analytical approach, based on dried blood spot (DBS) testing, has been developed, validated and applied for the first time to the analysis of ziprasidone (ZPR) for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of schizophrenic patients. DBS represent a more feasible but reliable matrix, alternative to blood and plasma., Methods: The assays were carried out using an HPLC method with native fluorescence. Blood drops were applied to DBS cards and dried by microwaves, an internal standard solution was added to the DBS and 5-mm punches were cut out for analysis. ZPR was extracted from DBS with methanol, giving good extraction yields, precision and selectivity results., Results: The method was applied with satisfactory results to DBS samples from psychiatric patients to determine ZPR levels for therapy optimization., Conclusion: This innovative methodology provides reliable and significant TDM information, with important advantages over classical blood sampling in terms of collection, storage and processing.

An original high-performance liquid chromatographic method coupled to microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) was developed for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of psychiatric patients treated with the recent atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a RP C18 column, using an isocratic mobile phase and setting the wavelength at 320nm. The analyte was extracted from human plasma by means of a fast and feasible innovative MEPS procedure, optimised on C2 sorbent and requiring only 100μL of biological sample. A second pre-treatment procedure, based on solid phase extraction (SPE), has been also developed for comparison. The availability of different pre-treatment procedures allows the choice of the one best suiting the specific clinical, economic and scientific needs. The extraction yield values were always higher than 90% and sensitivity was also good, with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples from ten subjects undergoing therapy with ziprasidone, thus confirming its suitability for the TDM of psychiatric patients, in order to personalise their pharmacological treatments., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an emerging, often invalidating, syndrome with deep personal, social and psychological implications. While multiple treatment strategies exist, presently none of them can be considered superior to all others., Areas Covered: The aim of this review is to provide the latest information on sertraline (SRT), one of the most important selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) currently used for the pharmacological therapy of SAD. A literature search was carried out with the keywords 'sertraline', 'social anxiety', 'social phobia' and 'clinical trials'. In this process, particular attention is paid to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its safety in clinical use., Expert Opinion: SRT is an effective drug in the treatment of SAD, especially when used in combination with some form of psychological support. While it does not seem to be significantly more effective than other SSRIs, SRT could offer some peculiar advantages: for example, it has a long half-life, allowing a single daily administration, and seems to be particularly indicated for the control of specific symptoms of SAD.

The amino acid content of fruit and fruit-derived foods is studied intensely because of the contribution to nutritional value, aroma, taste and health-promoting effects and their possible use as markers of origin and authenticity. In this review, based on 101 references, the most recent trends in the analysis of amino acids are presented: the most important techniques, the different sample treatment procedures (including derivatisation) and the most frequent applications are described and compared. Pertinent publications were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Knowledge database searches lastly performed in February 2012 with the keywords "amino acid", "analysis", "liquid chromatography", "gas chromatography", "electrophoresis", "fruit", and "vegetables"; the time limit was set from the year 2000 onwards. Although amino acids have been analysed in foods for decades, new technical possibilities and advancements have allowed ever-increasing accuracy and targeting of the methods in order to overcome the challenges posed by the complex plant matrices and their high intrinsic variability.

An advanced analytical method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), has been developed for the identification and determination in hair of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol together with its major metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Since the latter is formed endogenously, it allows the assessment of chronic use excluding passive exposure to Cannabis. The sample pre-treatment procedure is based on a feasible incubative extraction followed by a liquid-liquid extraction step. Chromatographic separation was performed using a reversed-phase column and gradient elution with a formic acid/acetonitrile/water mobile phase. The limits of quantitation and of detection were 3pg/mg and 1pg/mg, respectively, for both analytes. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of hair samples from Cannabis abusers; the analyte concentrations found ranged from 55 to 100pg/mg for Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and from 5 to 10pg/mg for 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Accuracy studies also gave satisfactory results (recovery>87%), thus confirming the suitability of the assay for chronic consumption monitoring., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An analytical strategy, based on the development of two HPLC methods with spectrophotometric (UV), spectrofluorometric (FL), and mass spectrometric (MS) detection, has been developed to investigate the presence of and to quantitate two important chemopreventive coumarins, auraptene and umbelliferone, in foodstuffs. The analytes were determined in fruits, and fruit parts, of plants belonging to the Citrus , Poncirus , and Fortunella genera, to test their nutraceutical potential. The method validation has been carried out according to international guidelines, with good results in terms of precision (RSD < 6.9%) and extraction yields (>91%). Application to the quantitative analysis of auraptene and umbelliferone in several kinds of citrus fruits was successful, providing reliable and consistent data. Exploiting three different kinds of detection, the analytical methodology proposed herein has been demonstrated to be sound but versatile, as well as reliable. Performances and results were compared and always found in good agreement among themselves. Thus, this approach is suitable for the identification and simultaneous quantitation of auraptene and umbelliferone in citrus fruits, with the aim of evaluating their nutraceutical potential.

A sensitive and selective HPLC-MS/MS method has been developed for the first time for the analysis of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (the most important active cannabinoid) and its hydroxylated and carboxylated metabolites in human Dried Blood Spots (DBSs). The simultaneous determination of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and its two main metabolites allows assessing the time elapsed after the drug intake and distinguishing between acute or former consumption. This is an important information in specific contexts such as "on street" controls by police forces. DBSs have been chosen as the optimal biological matrix for this kind of testing, since they provide information on the actual state of intoxication, without storage and transportation problems usually associated with classical blood testing. The analysis is carried out on a C8 reversed phase column with a mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid in a water/methanol mixture and an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source, coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The method was validated according to international guidelines, with satisfactory results in terms of extraction yields, precision, stability and accuracy. Application to real DBS samples from Cannabis abusers gave reliable results, thus confirming the methodology suitability for roadside testing., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The strong antioxidant activity of melatonin is well known and it is important to investigate its presence and levels in different foodstuffs, for the purpose of evaluating their nutraceutical properties. As a contribution towards this goal, an original analytical method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of melatonin and other indolic and phenolic antioxidants (including trans- and cis-resveratrol, ferulic acid, tryptophan, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) in grape-related foodstuffs and beverages: namely grape, grape juice, must, wine and grappa (Italian pomace brandy). These foodstuffs represent an important part of the diet, both traditionally and in recent times, especially in Mediterranean countries and could be (at least in part) responsible for the beneficial effects involved in the 'French paradox'. The analytical method is based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection, exploiting the native fluorescence of the analytes. A C8 column was used as the stationary phase, while the mobile phase was composed of acidic phosphate buffer and acetonitrile; fluorescence intensity was monitored at λ=386nm while exciting at λ=298nm. The sample pretreatment was carried out by a fast and reliable microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure. After validation, the method was applied to the analysis of melatonin and other antioxidants in food and beverages derived from grape, with very good results being obtained. Thus, this methodology may represent a promising tool for the evaluation of the antioxidant properties of nutraceuticals and functional foods., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

A rapid, selective and sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated for cyclosporin A (CsA) in cat blood samples using dried blood spot (DBS) coupled with high pressure liquid chromatography hyphenated to positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). CsA was quantified using a structural analog cyclosporin D (CsD) as internal standard in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) using the transitions 1220→1203 for CsA and 1234→1217 for CsD. A 5-μL blood aliquot was spotted onto a DBS card, then after a drying step, blood spots were punched out from the cards and extracted with MeOH before injection into a LC-MS/MS system. The linear range of the method was 5-2000 ng/mL, with accuracy and precision within the FDA acceptance criteria (i.e., ±15% and ±20% for the lowest level). In the study presented herein a comparison was made between this new methodology, based on the use of DBS, and a previously developed solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure, applied to blood samples from a cat pharmacokinetic study. Good correlation (r(2)=0.97) was demonstrated between the data obtained with the two methods. The DBS methodology revealed to be cheaper, faster, less solvent-consuming and requiring less blood volume from animals than the previous SPE method. Thus, the proposed HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method, based on DBS, has demonstrated to be a suitable and advantageous approach for the analysis of CsA in cat blood., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Membrane transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) are efflux pumps that remove drugs from the brain back to the peripheral blood compartment, serving as a functional component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We report here that coadministration of the P-gp and BCRP inhibitor ketoconazole with risperidone may preferentially increase D2 receptor occupancy in the striatum compared to pituitary. Four male patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had received at least 4 prior injections of the long-acting risperidone at a stable dose of 25 to 50 mg participated in this positron emission tomography study. Multiple-dose ketoconazole coadministration reduced the P-gp activity as shown by fexofenadine oral challenge. Importantly, we found a strong statistical trend in this sample of 4 subjects who consistently showed a decrease in striatal fluorine 18 (F)-fallypride binding (an indication of increased D2 receptor occupancy) after ketoconazole coadministration (P = 0.057), whereas the pituitary (a region that lies outside the BBB) F-fallypride binding did not change (P = 0.99). These observations warrant further research with selective drug transporter inhibitors. We suggest that in neuroimaging studies, the pituitary drug occupancy can serve as a useful new "positive control" to evaluate whether drug occupancy is preferentially increased in brain regions that fall inside the BBB after cotreatment with P-gp and BCRP inhibitors. This is a noteworthy study design consideration regarding the future clinical testing of novel adjunct interventions aimed at modulating membrane transporter function at the BBB, with the goal of augmenting drug access into the brain compartment, particularly in treatment-resistant psychiatric illness.

A fast analytical method has been developed for the determination of nine amino acids, together with serotonin, in wine samples of different origin and vintage. The method is based on capillary electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection. Separation was obtained by using a fused-silica capillary (75 μm id, 74.0 cm total length, 60.0 cm length to detector) and a background electrolyte composed of carbonate buffer (20 mM, pH 9.2), applying a 20 kV voltage. Direct hydrodynamic injection of wine samples was made after an original microwave-assisted derivatisation step with 5-(4,6-dichlorotriazinyl)aminofluorescein. Fluorescence was induced by an Ar-Ion laser, exciting at 488 nm. Good linearity (r(2) >0.9990) was obtained for all considered analytes and sensitivity was also good, with limits of detection in the 7-50 ng/mL range. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of commercial Italian wines and thus seems to be suitable for the determination of the relevant amino acids and serotonin, providing good results in terms of accuracy and precision, together with the advantage of a very fast, microwave-assisted derivatisation procedure. Future applications of the method are planned to check for wine adulterations and commercial frauds., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Amphetamines and methadone are synthetic chiral drugs with a high potential for abuse. As such, several analytical methods have been developed for their enantioseparation and analysis in biological tissues, and some of these are based on electrodriven techniques. In this review, the most important and recent of these latter methods are reviewed and their main advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the suitability of each method for the application to the biological matrix of interest: while all methods have been successfully applied for one or more biological tissues, to reach this goal they must overcome the sensitivity problem that is common to almost all capillary electrophoretic techniques. Most methods use one or more cyclodextrin derivatives as the chiral selector, thus the separation mechanism is not particularly complicated or unusual., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Risperidone is currently one of the most frequently prescribed atypical antipsychotic drugs; its main active metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone contributes significantly to the therapeutic effects observed. An original analytical method is presented for the simultaneous analysis of risperidone and the metabolite in plasma, urine and saliva by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an original sample pre-treatment procedure based on micro-extraction by packed sorbent (MEPS). The assays were carried out using a C8 reversed-phase column and a mobile phase composed of 73% (v/v) acidic phosphate buffer (30 mM, pH 3.0) containing 0.23% triethylamine and 27% (v/v) acetonitrile. The UV detector was set at 238 nm and diphenhydramine was used as the internal standard. The sample pre-treatment by MEPS was carried out on a C8 sorbent. The extraction yields values were higher than 92% for risperidone and 90% for 9-hydroxyrisperidone, with RSD for precision always lower than 7.9% for both analytes. Limit of quantification values in the different matrices were 4 ng/mL or lower for risperidone and 6 ng/mL or lower for the metabolite. The method was successfully applied to plasma, urine and saliva samples from psychotic patients undergoing therapy with risperidone, with satisfactory accuracy results (recovery>89%) and no interference from other drugs. Thus, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of schizophrenic patients using the three different biological matrices plasma, urine and saliva., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An original HPLC method coupled to spectrofluorimetric detection is presented for the simultaneous analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) of cocaine and two important metabolites, namely benzoylecgonine (its main metabolite) and cocaethylene (the active metabolite formed in the presence of ethanol). The chromatographic analysis was carried out on a C8 column, using a mobile phase containing phosphate buffer (pH 3.0)-acetonitrile (85:15, v/v). Native analyte fluorescence was monitored at 315 nm while exciting at 230 nm. A fast and feasible sample pre-treatment was implemented by solvent extraction, obtaining good extraction yields (>91%) and satisfactory precision values (RSD<4.8%). The method was successfully applied to DBS samples collected from some cocaine users, both with and without concomitant ethanol intake. The results were in good agreement with those obtained from plasma samples subjected to an original solid-phase extraction procedure on C8 cartridges. The method has demonstrated to be suitable for the monitoring of cocaine/ethanol use by means of DBS or plasma testing. Assays are in progress to apply this method on the street, for the control of subjects suspected of driving under the influence of psychotropic substances., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A review with 132 references. Several kinds of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs are currently available on the market. Although BZDs are surely the most frequently prescribed among them, several chemically unrelated compounds have been commercialised, which can provide similar or even higher efficacy and tolerability. These drugs can prove useful for patients who are non-responder or intolerant to benzodiazepine treatment, thus giving broader therapeutic options to the clinician. The most important studies on the metabolic characteristics of several non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics and hypnotics are reported and briefly discussed in this review; moreover, the analytical methods related to these studies are also described and commented upon and their characteristics are highlighted. Finally, an update is included on recent (2007-2010) metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies on benzodiazepines. A monograph is included for each of the following drugs: zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, ramelteon, buspirone and tandospirone; updates are included for the following benzodiazepines: alprazolam, bromazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam and triazolam.

An original high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection is presented for the simultaneous determination of the three antiepileptic drugs gabapentin, vigabatrin and topiramate in human plasma. After pre-column derivatisation with dansyl chloride, the analytes were separated on a Hydro-RP column with a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer (55%) and acetonitrile (45%) and detected at lambda(em)=500 nm, exciting at 300 nm. An original pre-treatment procedure on biological samples, based on solid-phase extraction with MCX cartridges for gabapentin and vigabatrin, and with Plexa cartridges for topiramate, gave high extraction yields (>91%), satisfactory precision (RSD<6.4%) and good selectivity. Linearity was found in the 0.2-50.0 microg mL(-1) range for gabapentin, in the 1.0-100.0 microg mL(-1) range for vigabatrin and in the 1.0-50.0 microg mL(-1) range for topiramate, with limits of detection (LODs) between 0.1 and 0.3 microg mL(-1). After validation, the method was successfully applied to some plasma samples from patients undergoing therapy with one or more of these drugs. Accuracy results were satisfactory (recovery >91%). Therefore, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of patients treated with gabapentin, vigabatrin and topiramate., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This article proposes a chromatographic method for the analysis of extracts of Aloe plants. The method was developed with a laboratory assembled nano-LC system coupled with a UV detector, followed by an IT-mass spectrometer. With a step gradient mode of ACN/H(2)O mixtures and employing a capillary column packed with C(18) (100 μm id), a complete separation of the following anthrones was achieved: aloin (in its two isomeric forms A and B), 5-hydroxyaloin and 7-hydroxyaloin (in its two isomeric forms A and B). The optimized nano-LC-MS method was validated for the quantification of aloin, the main component of Aloe with known pharmacological activities. RSD values obtained for retention time and peak areas were 1.3 and 12.1%, respectively. LOD and LOQ values of 0.4 and 1.5 μg/mL were obtained for each aloin isomer. The method was applied to the analysis of Aloe vera and A. ferox extracts in order to acquire a fingerprint, characteristic for each plant. Several phenolic compounds were detected by UV and identified by MS. A. vera and A. ferox showed different profiles and it was possible to discriminate them. Several commercial formulations, declared to contain Aloe extracts, were analyzed. Comparing their chromatograms with those obtained from A. vera and A. ferox, it was possible to recognize the Aloe species and to determine aloin.

A CE method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of the adrenergic amines synephrine, octopamine and tyramine in Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) fruit extracts and in dietary supplements. The analytes were separated on a fused silica capillary (50 microm id, 40.0 cm effective length, 48.5 cm total length) using a BGE composed of phosphate buffer (pH 2.5, 50 mM) and applying a 30 kV potential. The samples were injected hydrodynamically at 50 mbar for 25 s. The use of photodiode array detection (lambda=195 nm) allowed the quantification of the analytes and the control of peak purity. The method has been fully validated, obtaining satisfactory values of precision and extraction yield. The analytes are extracted with water from the dried whole fruits or fruit parts (endocarp, mesocarp and exocarp) or from the commercial formulations and directly injected into the CE apparatus. The results obtained were satisfactory in terms of precision (RSD < 5.7%) and accuracy (recovery > 89%). Thus, the method has demonstrated to be suitable for the qualitative and quantitative determination of synephrine, octopamine and tyramine in C. aurantium extracts, for dietary supplement quality control and for food adulteration identification.

A HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of seven tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and seven metabolites in human plasma. The analyte separation was obtained using a C8 reversed phase column and a mobile phase composed of 68% aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 3.0 and 32% ACN. The UV detector was set at 220 nm and loxapine was used as the internal standard. A careful pre-treatment procedure for plasma samples was developed, using SPE on C2 cartridges, which gives satisfactory extraction yields (>80%) and good sample purification. The LOQs were always lower than 9.1 ng/mL and the LODs always lower than 3.1 ng/mL for all analytes. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples from depressed patients undergoing therapy with one or more TCA drugs. Precision data (RSD <8.1%), as well as accuracy results (recovery >80%), were satisfactory and no interference from other drugs was found. Hence the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of patients treated with TCAs under monotherapy or polypharmacy regimens.

Diazepam is frequently used as an adjuvant during antidepressant therapy. Recently, some studies have suggested that the treatment with benzodiazepines could have different efficacy in depressed patients as opposed to non-depressed ones. To clarify the matter, a study is currently underway, regarding the drug metabolism in rats. In order to obtain a more complete and significant set of data, the main diazepam metabolites have also been considered, namely: nordiazepam, temazepam and oxazepam. A feasible and reliable HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of these compounds in plasma and brain tissue of rats. The method has been applied to "normal" rats and to genetic rat models of depression in order to estimate drug metabolism in different breeds. Analyte separation was achieved on a C8 reversed phase column using an acidic phosphate buffer/acetonitrile mixture as the mobile phase. The detection wavelength was 238 nm. An original sample pre-treatment, based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed in order to eliminate endogenous interference, using only 250 microL of matrix (brain homogenate or plasma) for a complete analysis. The method has been validated with good results in terms of precision, extraction yield, sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy on both matrices and has been successfully applied to samples from some rats subjected to the preliminary study. The obtained data will hopefully contribute to the clarification of possible differences between depressed and non-depressed subjects with respect to benzodiazepine biotransformation.

A fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination in human plasma of MHPG (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylenglycol) and VMA (vanillyl mandelic acid), the main metabolites of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Analyses were carried out at 325 nm while exciting at 285 nm on a reversed-phase column (Atlantis C18, 150 mm x 4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm) using a mobile phase composed of 2% methanol and 98% aqueous citrate buffer at pH 3.0. A careful solid-phase extraction procedure, based on mixed-mode reversed-phase - strong anion exchange Oasis cartridges (MAX, 30 mg, 1 mL), was developed for the pre-treatment of plasma samples. Extraction yields were satisfactory, always higher than 90%. Calibration curves were linear over the 0.2-40.0 ng mL(-1) concentration range for MHPG and over the 0.5-40.0 ng mL(-1) concentration range for VMA. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples of former drug users undergoing detoxification therapy and subjects "at risk" of developing drug addiction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was the preparation and characterisation of mucoadhesive nasal inserts based on chitosan/hyaluronate polyelectrolyte complexes prepared at various pHs and at different molar ratios., Methods: A suspension of chitosan/hyaluronate complexes with or without the model drugs (vancomycin or insulin) was lyophilised into small inserts. Complexation yield, FT-IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the degree of interactive strength between polyions. In-vitro swelling, mucoadhesion and release tests were performed in order to investigate delivery of vancomycin and insulin in the nasal cavity., Key Findings: The results indicated that the selection of complex preparative conditions allows modulation of insert swelling and mucoadhesion ability. Nasal inserts containing vancomycin or insulin had showed completely different drug release behaviour., Conclusions: Chitosan/hyaluronate polyelectrolyte complexes can be used for the formulation of mucoadhesive nasal inserts for the delivery of peptide and protein drugs.

The pharmaco-toxicological profile of duloxetine, a novel SNRI antidepressant, is still not completely known; in particular, intoxication cases have been scarcely studied. Here a duloxetine overdose case, in combination with other antidepressants and benzodiazepines, is reported and the chemical-clinical correlations discussed; this is probably the first detailed report of such a case. The patient referred to have ingested nine tablets of Cymbalta (more than 500 mg of duloxetine) and high amounts of four other drugs (venlafaxine, trazodone, sertraline and clonazepam). The patient was dozy and confused and some electrolyte imbalances were found. After gastrolavage, toxicological analyses revealed high plasma levels of duloxetine (384 ng/ml) and low levels of the other supposedly involved drugs. The overdose resulted to be not fatal and the outcome was relatively benign, also thanks to the fast emergency assistance. This case suggests that clinicians should be alerted to the possibility of toxic effects caused by simultaneous overdoses of duloxetine and other antidepressants and that caution should be used when prescribing more than one of these drugs to patients at risk of suicide.

A fast and simple method based on LC with fluorescence detection has been developed for the determination of insulin in innovative formulations consisting of microparticles and inserts for oral and nasal drug administration, respectively. A reverse-phase C8 column and a mobile phase composed of pH 3.7, 40 mM sodium sulphate solution and acetonitrile (24%, v/v) were employed. Using isocratic elution at 1.0 mL/min flow, analysis is completed within 7 min. Three different kinds of spray-dried microparticles were analysed, consisting of an insulin loaded core composed of chitosan salts (chitosan succinate, chitosan adipate or chitosan suberate) coated with stearic acid. Nasal inserts consisted of chitosan/hyaluronate polyelectrolyte complexes which were loaded with insulin and freeze-dried. Insulin was extracted from both the oral and nasal formulations using pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The employment of fluorescence detection (lambda(exc) = 276 nm, lambda(em) = 306 nm) granted high selectivity, with no interference from the matrix. Full method validation was performed with good results in terms of linearity (insulin concentration range 0.10-30.0 microg/mL), LOD (0.03 microg/mL) and LOQ (0.10 microg/mL), precision (R.S.D.%<3.6) and accuracy (recovery percentage>90.0%). Insulin content in innovative formulations, expressed as percentage w/w, resulted to be between 0.90 and 0.97 for oral innovative formulations, while an average value of 342 microg of insulin was found in a single nasal insert, in good agreement with preparative protocols.

Benzodiazepines are currently among the most frequently prescribed drugs all over the world. They act as anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, amnesics, antiepileptics and muscle relaxants. Despite their common chemical scaffold, these drugs differ in their pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties. In particular, they are biotransformed by different cytochrome P450 isoforms and also by different UDP-glucuronosyltransferase subtypes. The most important studies on the metabolic characteristics of several 1,4-benzodiazepines, carried out from 1998 onwards, are reported and briefly discussed in this review. Moreover, the analytical methods related to these studies are also described and commented upon and their most important characteristics are highlighted. Most methods are based on liquid chromatography, which provides wide applicability and good analytical performance granting high precision, accuracy and feasibility. Mass spectrometry is gaining widespread acceptance, particularly if the matrix is very complex and variable, such as human or animal blood. However, spectrophotometric detection is still used for this purpose and can grant sufficient selectivity and sensitivity when coupled to suitable sample pre-treatment procedures. A monograph is included for each of the following benzodiazepines: alprazolam, bromazepam, brotizolam, clotiazepam, diazepam, etizolam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam and triazolam.

Cocaine is currently one of the most widespread abuse drugs in the world. Since hair cocaine concentrations are a reliable marker of exposition to the drug, an original liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of cocaine in human hair. The chromatographic analysis was carried out on a Hydro-RP C18 column, using a mobile phase containing a phosphate buffer (pH 3.0)-acetonitrile-methanol (75:15:10, v/v/v). Native cocaine fluorescence was monitored at 315nm while exciting at 230nm. Mirtazapine was used as the internal standard. Sample pre-treatment was carried out by incubative extraction with 0.1M HCl followed by solid-phase extraction with C2 cartridges. Good linearity was obtained over a working range of 0.3-100.0ng/mg. Both extraction yield (>89%) and precision values (R.S.D.<6.2%) were highly satisfactory. The method was successfully applied to hair samples collected from cocaine users. Thus, the method is suitable for the long-term monitoring of cocaine use by means of hair testing.

The present paper deals with the development of a rapid and feasible high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of trazodone and its main active metabolite 3-(1-clorophenyl)piperazine (m-CPP) in human plasma. Trazodone is a second-generation antidepressant with serotonin antagonist activity. The metabolite seems to be involved in the onset of some side effects of trazodone therapy, thus its determination is very important during therapeutic drug monitoring. Separation was achieved using a C8 reversed-phase column and a mobile phase composed of aqueous phosphate buffer (70%), containing triethylamine, at pH 3.5 and acetonitrile (30%). The UV detector was set at 255 nm and loxapine was used as the internal standard. An original pre-treatment procedure of plasma samples was developed, based on solid-phase extraction with C8 reversed phase cartridges (50mg, 1 mL). The obtained extraction yields values were higher than 90% and precision, expressed as R.S.D., was lower than 5.6%. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples from depressed patients undergoing therapy with trazodone; accuracy results were satisfactory (recovery >91%). Thus, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of trazodone and its main active metabolite in depressed patients' plasma.

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are often prescribed to schizophrenic or depressed patients, as a part of polypharmacy regimens. An HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 15 BZDs in human plasma. Separation was obtained by using a C8 RP column and a mobile phase composed of 65% aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 3.0 and 35% ACN. The UV detector was set at 220 nm and clomipramine was used as the internal standard. A careful pretreatment procedure of plasma samples was developed, using SPE with C1 cartridges, which gives high extraction yields (> 97%). The LOQs were always lower than 7.6 ng/mL and the LODs always lower than 2.6 ng/mL for all analytes. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples from depressed and schizophrenic patients undergoing polypharmacy with one or more BZDs. Precision data, as well as accuracy results, were satisfactory and no interference from other drugs was found. Hence, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of patients undergoing therapy with one or more BZDs.

Three analytical methods have been developed and compared for the quality control of a new formulation (Soymen GN(R) capsules) containing soy extract and melatonin for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The first method is based on MEKC with diode-array detection, using a mixture of basic carbonate buffer (95%) and methanol (5%), containing 55 mM SDS, as the BGE. The second method is an HPLC method with UV detection at 260 nm. The third method is an HPLC method coupled to amperometric detection which is carried out at an oxidation potential of +0.8 V. In both HPLC systems, the chromatographic separation is obtained on an RP C18 column using a mixture of ACN and an acidic phosphate buffer (25:75 v/v) as the mobile phase. A feasible pretreatment procedure with a methanol/water mixture has been implemented to achieve the quantitative extraction of the main soy isoflavones and of melatonin from the capsules. The results obtained with the three methods are in good agreement with each other and satisfactory in terms of linearity (r(2) >0.9996), precision (RSD <5.4%) and accuracy (recovery >97%). Thus, each of the three analytical methods seems to be suitable for the simultaneous analysis of the main soy isoflavones and melatonin in the new commercial formulation.

Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most widespread drug of abuse in the world and it is also currently available as the active principle of formulations for the treatment of chronic pain. Its main metabolite, 11-nor-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, is the most important marker of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol consumption. An original liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of these two analytes in human plasma and urine. Separation was obtained on a C8 column using a mobile phase with 35% phosphate buffer at pH 2.7 and 65% acetonitrile. The UV detector was set at 220 nm and indomethacin was used as the internal standard. Sample pre-treatment was carried out by solid-phase extraction with C8 cartridges; urine samples were subjected to basic hydrolysis before extraction. Both extraction yields (>91%) and precision values were highly satisfactory. The method was successfully applied to biological samples collected from Cannabis users. Accuracy and selectivity results were satisfactory. This is the first HPLC-UV method developed for the simultaneous quantification of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in both plasma and urine for the monitoring of either therapeutic or recreational use.

An original analytical method has been developed for the determination of the antioxidants trans-resveratrol (t-RSV) and cis-resveratrol (c-RSV) and of melatonin (MLT) in red and white wine. The method is based on HPLC coupled to fluorescence detection. Separation was obtained by using a RP column (C8, 150 mm x 4.6 mm id, 5 mum) and a mobile phase composed of 79% aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 3.0 and 21% ACN. Fluorescence intensity was monitored at lambda = 386 nm while exciting at lambda = 298 nm, mirtazapine was used as the internal standard. A careful pretreatment of wine samples was developed, using SPE with C18 cartridges (100 mg, 1 mL). The calibration curves were linear over the following concentration ranges: 0.03-5.00 ng/mL for MLT, 3-500 ng/mL for t-RSV and 1-150 ng/mL for c-RSV. The LOD values were 0.01 ng/mL for MLT, 1 ng/mL for t-RSV and 0.3 ng/mL for c-RSV. Precision data, as well as extraction yield and sample purification results, were satisfactory. Thus, the method seems to be suitable for the analysis of MLT and resveratrol isomers in wine samples. Moreover, wine total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were evaluated.

Duloxetine is the most recent serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug introduced for the therapy of depression. Thus, it is evident that there is a need for having on hand new reliable analytical methods for the determination of duloxetine plasma levels in depressed patients. The present paper deals with the development of a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for duloxetine analysis in human plasma. The assays were carried out using a C8 reversed-phase column and a mobile phase composed of 60% aqueous phosphate buffer containing triethylamine at pH 3.0 and 40% acetonitrile. The UV detector was set at 230 nm and loxapine was used as the internal standard. An original pre-treatment of plasma samples was developed, based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) with mixed-mode reversed phase-strong cation exchange cartridges (30 mg, 1 mL). The extraction yields values were higher than 90%. Linearity was found in the 2-200 ng mL(-1) duloxetine concentration range; the limit of quantitation was 2.0 ng mL(-1) and the limit of detection was 0.7 ng mL(-1). The method was applied to plasma samples from depressed patients undergoing therapy with duloxetine. Precision data and accuracy results were satisfactory and no interference from other drugs was found. Thus, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of duloxetine in depressed patients' plasma.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of the recent serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine and its main active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, in human plasma. Separation was obtained by using a reversed-phase column (C8, 150 x 4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm) and a mobile phase composed of 75% aqueous phosphate buffer containing triethylamine at pH 6.8 and 25% acetonitrile. Fluorescence detection was used, exciting at lambda=238 nm and monitoring the emission at lambda=300 nm. Citalopram was used as the internal standard. A careful pre-treatment of plasma samples was developed, using solid-phase extraction with C1 cartridges (100 mg, 1 mL). The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.0 ng mL(-1) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.3 ng mL(-1) for both analytes. The method was applied with success to plasma samples taken from patients undergoing treatment with venlafaxine. Precision data, as well as accuracy results, were satisfactory and no interference from other drugs was found. Hence, the method is suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of venlafaxine and its main metabolite in depressed patients' plasma.

A method has been developed for the analysis of the antidepressant drug sertraline together with its main metabolite N-desmethylsertraline (DMS) in human plasma. It is based on CE with LIF detection (lambda = 488 nm). A SPE procedure is employed for biological sample pretreatment, followed by a derivatization step with FITC; reboxetine was the internal standard. The effect of CD, acetone and N-methyl-D-glucamine (GLC) as constituents of the BGE for analyte separation was investigated. The final BGE consisted of 20 mM carbonate buffer, pH 9.0, with 2.5 mM heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-CD, 50 mM GLC and 20% v/v acetone. With 30 kV applied voltage, the electrophoretic run is completed in 7.5 min. Linearity was observed in the plasma concentration range from 3.0 to 500 ng/mL for sertraline and 4.0 to 500 ng/mL for DMS. Extraction yield was >97.1%, precision - expressed as RSD% - was <3.7, accuracy (recovery) was >95.6%. Due to its sensitivity and selectivity, the method was suited for the analysis of plasma samples from patients undergoing therapy with sertraline.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination in human plasma of the specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant paroxetine and its three main metabolites (M1, M2, M3). Fluorescence detection was used, exciting at lambda = 294 nm and monitoring emission at lambda = 330 nm for paroxetine (lambda(exc) = 280 nm, lambda(em) = 330 nm for M1 and M2; lambda(exc) = 268 nm, lambda(em) = 290 nm for M3). Separation was obtained on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of 66.7% aqueous phosphate at pH 2.5 and 33.3% acetonitrile. Imipramine (lambda(exc) = 252 nm, lambda(em) = 390 nm) was used as the internal standard. A careful pre-treatment of plasma samples was developed, using solid-phase extraction with C8 cartridges (50 mg, 1 mL). The calibration curves were linear over a working range of 2.5-100 ng mL(-1) for paroxetine and of 5-100 ng mL(-1) for all metabolites. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.2 ng mL(-1) for PRX and 2.0 ng mL(-1) for the metabolites. The method was applied with success to plasma samples from depressed patients undergoing treatment with paroxetine. Hence, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of paroxetine and its main metabolites in depressed patients' plasma.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of classical neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, loxapine and clotiapine), atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, quetiapine and risperidone) and their active metabolites (N-desmethylclozapine, clozapine N-oxide and 9-hydroxyrisperidone) in human plasma. Separation was obtained by using a C8 reversed-phase column and a mobile phase composed of 70% aqueous phosphate buffer containing triethylamine at pH 3.0 and 30% acetonitrile. The UV detector was set at 238 nm and amitriptyline was used as the internal standard. A careful pre-treatment procedure of plasma samples was developed, using solid-phase extraction with cyanopropyl cartridges, which gives high extraction yields (>or=93%). The limits of quantitation (LOQ) were always lower than 2.6 ng mL-1 and the limits of detection (LOD) were always lower than 0.9 ng mL-1 for all analytes. The method was applied with success to plasma samples from schizophrenic patients undergoing polypharmacy with two or more different antipsychotics. Precision data and accuracy results were satisfactory and no interference from other central nervous system (CNS) drugs was found. Hence the method is suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of the analytes in psychotic patients' plasma.

Methadone and buprenorphine are two of the drugs most frequently used for abstinence from illicit opioids and in the treatment of pain. A sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatographic method with diode array detection for the simultaneous determination of methadone, buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine has been developed. Separation of the three analytes was obtained by using a reversed-phase column (C8, 250mmx4.6mm i.d., 5microm) and a mobile phase composed of 40% phosphate buffer containing triethylamine, 50% methanol and 10% acetonitrile (final apparent pH 6.0). Loxapine was used as the internal standard. An accurate pre-treatment procedure of biological samples was developed, using solid-phase extraction with C8 cartridges (100mg, 1mL) and needing small amounts of plasma or urine (300microL). The calibration curves were linear over a working range of 10.0-1500.0ng/mL for methadone and of 5.0-500.0ng/mL for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in both matrices. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) and the limit of detection (LOD) were 1.0 and 0.4ng/mL for methadone and 0.5 and 0.2ng/mL for both buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of plasma and urine samples from patients undergoing treatment with these drugs. Precision and accuracy results were satisfactory and no interference from endogenous or exogenous compounds was found. The method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of methadone and buprenorphine in human plasma and urine for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes.

A HPLC method with UV detection has been developed for the simultaneous determination of levomepromazine, clozapine and their main metabolites: N-desmethyl-levomepromazine, levomepromazine sulphoxide, O-desmethyl-levomepromazine, N-desmethylclozapine and clozapine N-oxide. The analytes were separated on a C8 reversed-phase column using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and a pH 2.0, 34 mM phosphate buffer containing 0.3% triethylamine (29:71, v/v). Loxapine was used as the internal standard. A reliable biological sample pre-treatment procedure by means of solid-phase extraction on C1 cartridges was implemented, which allows to obtain good extraction yields (>91%) for all analytes and appropriate sample purification from endogenous interference. The method was validated in terms of extraction yield, precision and accuracy. These assays gave RSD% values for precision always lower than 4.9% and mean accuracy values higher than 92%. The method is suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of patients undergoing polypharmacy with levomepromazine and clozapine.

An original HPLC-UV method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine and the geometric isomers of the second-generation antidepressant fluvoxamine. The analytes were separated on a reversed-phase C8 column (150 mm x 4.6mm i.d., 5 microm) using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile (30%) and a 10.5mM, pH 3.5 phosphate buffer containing 0.12% triethylamine (70%). The flow rate was 1.2 mL min(-1) and the detection wavelength was 245 nm. Sample pretreatment was carried out by an original solid-phase extraction procedure using mixed-mode cation exchange (DSC-MCAX) cartridges; only 300 microL of plasma were needed for one analysis. Citalopram was used as the internal standard. The method was validated in terms of linearity, extraction yield, precision and accuracy. Good linearity was obtained in plasma over the 5.0-160.0 ng mL(-1) concentration range for each fluvoxamine isomer and over the 2.5-400.0 ng mL(-1) concentration range for quetiapine. Extraction yield values were always higher than 93%, with precision (expressed as relative standard deviation values) better than 4.0%. The method was successfully applied to human plasma samples drawn from patients undergoing polypharmacy with the two drugs. Satisfactory accuracy values were obtained, with mean recovery higher than 94%.

There is a need for fast, simple and reliable analytical methods for the analysis of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in patients who voluntarily or involuntarily have taken an overdose of the drug. A new liquid chromatographic method with diode array detection is presented herein for the determination of fluoxetine and its main active metabolite in human plasma for toxicological purposes. A mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and aqueous tetramethylammonium perchlorate allows to obtain the complete separation of the analytes on a C18 reversed phase column. The fast and accurate sample pre-treatment step is carried out by means of solid-phase extraction using hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridges and loading 100 microL of plasma only. This procedure gives satisfactory extraction yield values, as well as good plasma sample purification from matrix interference. Linearity was obtained in the 150-3000 ng/mL range for both analytes. Selectivity with respect to other psychotropic drugs was satisfactory. The method seems to be suitable for the analysis of fluoxetine and its metabolite in human plasma for depressed patients in overdose.