[Spectrofluorometric determination of a new beta-blocking agent, acebutolol in blood and urine]

The authors describe a simple method of spectrofluorimetric estimation of acebutolol, applicable to blood and urine, sufficiently sensitive to obtain therapeutic concentrations. After administration of a 200 mg dose by mouth, one may observe a maximal plasma concentration 3 hours later, with average values of 1.02 +/- 0.20 mg/liter. The principle of the estimation is based on acid hydrolysis of the product, then condensation of the liberated amine with nitroso-1 naphtol-2 to give a fluorescent derivative (stimulation 460 nm, emission 545 nm).