HPLC-analysis and preliminary pharmacokinetic parameter estimations of chloroquine

An HPLC method for the separate determination of chloroquine and its major metabolites has been developed. Separation was on an octadecyl RP column. Fluorimetric detection followed after on-line post-column buffering of the mobile phase to pH = 9.25. The method is highly selective for the compounds of interest with a detection limit down to 1 ng/ml. Preliminary data on the pharmacokinetics of chloroquine are reported, as obtained with this method. Kinetic parameters were estimated with the aid of the non-linear regression computer programme NON-LIN.