Liquid-chromatographic analysis for methylphenidate (Ritalin) in serum.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Accurate quantification of methylphenidate is crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or efficiency required for routine clinical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the precise quantitation of methylphenidate in human serum or plasma.
• To establish a reliable and sensitive analytical technique for methylphenidate measurement.

Main Methods:

• Serum or plasma samples were extracted using chloroform with 4,5-diphenylimidazole as the internal standard.
• Chromatography was performed on a mu-Bondapak C-18 column using a mobile phase of potassium phosphate and acetonitrile.
• Detection was achieved via UV absorbance at 192 nm.

Main Results:

• The developed HPLC method demonstrated reliable quantification of methylphenidate at concentrations exceeding 20 micrograms/L.
• The method achieved an analytical recovery rate of 74%.

Conclusions:

• This HPLC method provides a robust and sensitive approach for determining methylphenidate levels in biological samples.
• The validated method is suitable for clinical and research applications requiring accurate methylphenidate quantification.