Detection of some beta adrenergic blocking drugs and their metabolites in urine by thin layer chromatography

Beta adrenergic blocking agents are readily identifiable in urine using thin layer chromatography. Because of the tremendous current and predicted future use of beta blockers, the presence of the drugs and their metabolites will become commonplace in urine and other biological fluids. A broad-screening system is described that relies on a sequence of four detection stages to differentiate beta blockers from other drugs, including some heart medications. The minimum detectable concentrations in urine of nine beta adrenergic blocking agents, the RF values in one solvent system, and color characteristics through four detection stages of the beta blockers and other common drugs are reported.