Identification and quantitation of zolpidem in biological matrices using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Zolpidem is a short-acting nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used for the treatment of insomnia. It works quickly and has a short half-life of 2-3 h. Significant side effects are reported including dizziness, amnesia, and even hallucinations. In this method, zolpidem is extracted from blood or other biological fluids/tissues using solid phase extraction technology for analysis. The extract is then assayed using selected ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for absolute confirmation of the compound. The quantitation of this drug is made from standard curves constructed using selected ion monitoring and peak-area ratios of analyte vs. internal standard of quantifying ions.