GLC determination of aprindine: quantitation and stability measurement

A GLC method of analysis of a new antiarrhythmic agent, aprindine, is described. The raw material of the new drug substance, supplied as the hydrochloride salt, is dissolved in deionized water, and the base is liberated by a 10% aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. aprindine is extracted with chloroform and mixed with the internal standard, 5alpha-cholestane. GLC is perfomed on a glass column packed with 3.8% W-98 on Chromosorb W-HP. Quantitation is achieved by computer calculation of the peak area ratios. GLC-mass spectral analysis indicates that the observed peak is that of aprindine, with a molecular ion at m/e 322. The retention times of aprindine and the internal standard are 2.0 and 5.8 min, respectively. All synthetic precursors show a shorter retention time than aprindine. This GLC method is applied to the quantitative determination of aprindine as raw material and in capsule and ampul formulations. The method is also used to measure the stability of aprindine to acid, base, dry, heat, refluxing, and UV light and to pH variations.