Rapid GC method for quantitation of nifedipine in serum using electron capture detection

For studying the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine after single doses, a rapid, specific, reliable gas chromatographic assay procedure for nifedipine in serum is developed. Using a single-step solvent extraction or a bonded-phase column extraction and electron capture detection, an assay sensitivity of 10 to 25 ng/ml can be achieved using 0.25 ml of serum. The assay quantitates intact nifedipine and separates it reproducibly from its nitro- and nitrosopyridine derivatives.