A Review on DNA Repair Inhibition by PARP Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy.

The DNA repair process protects the cells from DNA damaging agent by multiple pathways. Majority of the cancer therapy cause DNA damage which leads to apoptosis. The cell has natural ability to repair this damage which ultimately leads to development of resistance of drugs. The key enzymes involved in DNA repair process are poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP). Tumor cells repair their defective gene via defective homologues recombination (HR) in the presence of enzyme PARP. PARP inhibitors inhibit the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) which lead to apoptosis of cancer cells. Current clinical data shows the role of PARP inhibitors is not restricted to BRCA mutations but also effective in HR dysfunctions related tumors. Therefore, investigation in this area could be very helpful for future therapy of cancer. This review gives detail information on the role of PARP in DNA damage repair, the role of PARP inhibitors and chemistry of currently available PARP inhibitors.

Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablet containing domperidone ternary solid dispersion.

INTRODUCTION: Fast dissolving tablet containing domperidone ternary solid dispersion was developed to improve the dissolution of drug and stability of solid dispersion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Binary and ternary solid dispersions were prepared by fusion method. They were characterized by solubility study, in vitro dissolution, dissolution efficiency, and stability study. The solid state properties of solid dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ternary solid dispersion was successfully incorporated into fast dissolving tablet by direct compression method. Tablets were characterized for pre-compression parameters, post-compression parameters, and stability study. RESULTS: Optimized ternary solid dispersion containing ratio 1:2:1.5 of drug: Gelucire 50/13: Poloxamer 188 gave maximum dissolution. The FTIR, DSC, and XRD studies of solid dispersions were confirmed the formation of solid dispersion. Ternary solid dispersion was more stable compared to binary solid dispersion at accelerated environment conditions for one month as confirmed by DSC study. Crospovidone as a superdisintegrant (4%) showed good result with disintegration time of 19 s and dissolution near to 100% in 0.1N HCL at 30 min. CONCLUSION: The studies indicated that the dissolution of drug and stability of solid dispersion was improved in the presence of ternary agent (surfactant) as compared to binary solid dispersion. It was concluded that fast dissolving tablet containing ternary solid dispersion was stable at accelerated environmental conditions for 1 month.

The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of nimesulide in the mouse bone marrow.

Genotoxicity of nimesulide (NM) was evaluated by employing bone marrow (BM) chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus assays in Swiss albino mice. For BM CA assay, mice of either sex were treated orally with 1.5, 2.5 and 5 mg body weight solution of NM in 0.2 mL of 0.05% CMC (carboxy methyl cellulose) daily for 4, 13, 28 and 40 weeks. Treatment induced dose-dependent and significantly depressed mitotic activity and increase in CAs per cell in the BM cells after 13 weeks of treatment at all dose levels. In micronucleus assay, male mice were treated orally with the same dose levels and sampling durations as for CA assay. Treatment increased the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes frequency and showed a statistically significant reduction in polychromatic erythrocyte/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio, as compared to control groups. Cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) was used as clastogen (positive control) and yielded the expected positive results. Cytotoxicity was observed in the 8-week recovery period after 40 weeks of dosing, but it was not significant. On the basis of these findings, it may be concluded that in the long term, NM, or its biotransformed product, is genotoxic and cytotoxic for BM cells of mice in vivo.

Formulation and evaluation of floating matrix tablet of stavudine.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of the study was to prolong the gastric residence time of stavudine by designing its floating tablets and to study the influence of different polymers on its release rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The floating mix matrix tablets of stavudine were prepared by melt granulation method. Beeswax was used as hydrophobic meltable material. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium bicarbonate, and ethyl cellulose were used as matrixing agent, gas generating agent, and floating enhancer, respectively. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as hardness, weight variation, friability, floating properties (floating lag time, total floating time), drug content, stability study, and in vitro drug release. The drug- polymer interaction was studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis and Fourier transform infared (FT-IR). RESULTS: The floating lag time of all the formulations was within the prescribed limit (<3 min). All the formulations showed good matrix integrity and retarded the release of drug for 12 h except the formulation F5.The concentration of beeswax (X(1)), HPMC K(4)M (X(2)), and ethyl cellulose (X(3)) were selected as independent variables and drug release values at 1 (Q(1)), at 6 (Q(6)) and at 12 h (Q(12)) as dependent variables. Formulation F7 was selected as an optimum formulation as it showed more similarity in dissolution profile with theoretical profile (similarity factor, f(2) = 70.91). The dissolution of batch F7 can be described by zero-order kinetics (R(2) =0.9936) with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion as the release mechanism (n=0.545). There was no difference observed in release profile after temperature sensitivity study at 40°C/75% relative humidity (RH) for 1 month. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from this study that the combined mix matrix system containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer minimized the burst release of drug from the tablet and achieved a drug release by zero-order kinetics, which is practically difficult with only hydrophilic matrix.

Formulation and optimisation of raft-forming chewable tablets containing H2 antagonist.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research work was to formulate raft-forming chewable tablets of H2 antagonist (Famotidine) using a raft-forming agent along with an antacid- and gas-generating agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tablets were prepared by wet granulation and evaluated for raft strength, acid neutralisation capacity, weight variation, % drug content, thickness, hardness, friability and in vitro drug release. Various raft-forming agents were used in preliminary screening. A 2(3) full-factorial design was used in the present study for optimisation. The amount of sodium alginate, amount of calcium carbonate and amount sodium bicarbonate were selected as independent variables. Raft strength, acid neutralisation capacity and drug release at 30 min were selected as responses. RESULTS: Tablets containing sodium alginate were having maximum raft strength as compared with other raft-forming agents. Acid neutralisation capacity and in vitro drug release of all factorial batches were found to be satisfactory. The F5 batch was optimised based on maximum raft strength and good acid neutralisation capacity. Drug-excipient compatibility study showed no interaction between the drug and excipients. Stability study of the optimised formulation showed that the tablets were stable at accelerated environmental conditions. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that raft-forming chewable tablets prepared using an optimum amount of sodium alginate, calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate could be an efficient dosage form in the treatment of gastro oesophageal reflux disease.

Development and validation of spectrophotometric method for simultaneous estimation of paracetamol and lornoxicam in different dissolution media.

BACKGROUND: Paracetamol and lornoxicam in combined tablet dosage form are available in the market. This combination is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the joints, osteoarthritis and sciatica. Spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been reported for their simultaneous estimation in tablet dosage form in specific solvent. This paper presents simple, accurate and reproducible spectrophotometric method for simultaneous determination of paracetamol and lornoxicam in tablet dosage form in different dissolution media. The reported method is helpful in determination of paracetamol and lornoxicam during dissolution study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simple, sensitive, accurate and economical spectrophotometric method based on an absorption correction equation was developed for the estimation of paracetamol and lornoxicam simultaneously in tablet dosage form in different dissolution media at different pH. RESULTS: Paracetamol showed absorption maxima at 243 nm in 0.1N HCland phosphate buffer pH 6.8, while lornoxicam showed absorption maxima at 374 nm in 0.1N HCland phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 4-12 µg/ml for paracetamol and 4-16 µg/ ml for lornoxicam. DISCUSSION: The concentrations of the drugs were determined by an absorption correction equation method. The results of analysis have been validated statistically by recovery studies.

Development and validation of a method for simultaneous estimation of ofloxacin and ornidazole in different dissolution media.

INTRODUCTION: Ofloxacin and ornidazole in a combined tablet dosage form is available in the market. This combination has gained increasing acceptance in diarrhea caused due to bacterial and protozoal infections. Ofloxacin and ornidazole are also combined in the capsule dosage form to modify its release pattern in different studies. Spectrophotometric and HPTLC methods have been reported for their simultaneous estimation in the tablet dosage form in specific solvents. This paper presents a simple, accurate, and reproducible spectrophotometric method for simultaneous estimation of ofloxacin and ornidazole in the tablet dosage form in different dissolution media. The reported method is helpful in determination of ofloxacin and ornidazole during a dissolution study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple, sensitive, accurate, and economical spectrophotometric method based on the simultaneous equation was developed for the estimation of ornidazole and ofloxacin simultaneously in the tablet or capsule dosage form in different dissolution media at different pH values. RESULTS: Ofloxacin showed absorption maxima at 294 nm in 0.1 N HCl and at 287 nm in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and phosphate buffer pH 7.4 while ornidazole showed absorption maxima at 277 nm in 0.1 N HCl and at 319 nm in two buffers, respectively. The linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 1-8 µg/ ml for ofloxacin and 4-26 µg/ml for ornidazole. DISCUSSION: The concentrations of the drugs were determined by the simultaneous equation method. The results of analysis have been validated statistically and by recovery studies.

Preparation and characterization of superporous hydrogel based on different polymers.

INTRODUCTION: Superporous hydrogel (SPH) swells very rapidly in a shorter period of time to an equilibrium size and contains highly porous structure. AIM: The synthesis of SPH of poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) and its composites viz. Ac-Di-Sol and polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) was carried out by solution polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SPH and SPH composites (SPHCs) were characterized by measurement of apparent density, porosity, swelling, mechanical strength, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. RESULTS: FTIR studies confirmed the existence of acrylamide and acrylic acid in SPH. In distilled water SPH showed tremendous increase in equilibrium swelling capacity with conventional SPH as compared to its SPHCs of Ac-Di-Sol and PVP due to the increased in physical cross-linking network, respectively. The presence of Ac-Di-Sol and PVP in SPHCs increased the mechanical strength as compared to conventional SPH which is suitable for gastric retention. SEM pictures clearly indicated the formation of interconnected pores and capillary channels. CONCLUSION: The amount and type of polymers used affect almost all the characterization parameters of SPHs, and hence, depending upon the applications perspective such polymers could be used in drug delivery systems, successfully.

Formulation and evaluation of sublingual tablets containing Sumatriptan succinate.

OBJECTIVE: Sumatriptan succinate is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-1 receptor agonist effective in the acute treatment of migraine headaches, having low bioavailability of about 15% orally due to first-pass metabolism. The purpose of this research was to mask the intensely bitter taste of Sumatriptan succinate and to formulate fast-acting, taste-masked sublingual tablet formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Taste masking was performed by solid dispersion method with mannitol and ion exchange with Kyron T 114 because it releases the drug in salivary pH. The resultant batches were evaluated for in-vivo taste masking as well compatability study (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). For a better feel in the mouth, menthol and sweetener Na saccharine were added to the tablet formulation. The tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for weight variation, thickness, friability, drug content, hardness, disintegration time, wetting time, in vitro drug release, and in vitro permeation study. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Optimized batches disintegrated in vitro within 28-34 s. Maximum drug release could be achieved with in 10 min for the solid dispersion batches and 14-15 min for the ion-exchange batches with Kyron T 114. The optimized tablet formulation showed better taste and the formulated sublingual tablets may act as a potential alternate for the Sumatriptan succinate oral tablet. CONCLUSION: Sumatriptan succinate can be successfully taste-masked by both the solid dispersion method using mannitol by the melting method and Ion exchange resin with Kyron T114. It was also concluded that prepared formulation improve bioavailability by prevention of first pass metabolism.

Stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for analysis of itraconazole in bulk drug and in pharmaceutical dosage form.

BACKGROUND: A new, simple, selective, precise, and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been established for analysis of itraconazole (ITZ) in the bulk drug and in pharmaceutical formulations. Separation was achieved on aluminium plate precoated with silica gel 60F254 using Toluene : Chloroform : Methanol [5: 5: 1.5(v/v)] as mobile phase. Densitometric analysis was performed at 260 nm. RESULT: Compact bands of ITZ were obtained at Rf 0.52 ± 0.02. Linearity (R(2) = 0.9978), limit of detection (180.29 ng/band), limit of quantification (546.34 ng/band), recovery (98-102%), and precision (≤0.51%) were satisfactory. Drug was not degraded under neutral and alkaline hydrolysis, UV and photolytic degradation, under-elevated temperature, and humidity. ITZ is degraded under acidic hydrolysis and oxidative condition; the degraded products were well resolved from individual bulk drug response. Developed method can effectively resolve drug from its excipients in capsule dosage form. The specificity of the method was confirmed by peak purity of resolved peak. CONCLUSION: The method can be applicable for routine analysis of ITZ in pharmaceutical formulation as stability-indicating. Because the method can effectively separate the drug from its degradation products as well as excipients, it can be used as a stability-indicating method.

Design and evaluation of colon targeted modified pulsincap delivery of 5-fluorouracil according to circadian rhythm.

INTRODUCTION: A modified pulsincap dosage form of 5-fluorouracil was developed to target drug to colorectal carcinoma according to daily oscillations of rate-limiting metabolizing enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The capsule body was made water insoluble by exposing the body to formaldehyde vapor. A mixture of granules containing drug, superdisintegrant, and osmogen was filled in the capsule body. A hydrogel plug was fitted to the mouth of the treated body, and the untreated cap was fitted to the body which was coated with Eudragit S100. Developed formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release in 1.2 pH (2 h), 6.8 pH (3 h), and 7.4 pH (up to 12 h) buffer solutions. A 2(3) full factorial design was used for optimization in which the type of hydrogel plug (X1), the type of osmogen (X(2)), and the type of superdisintegrant (X(3)) were selected as independent variables while, cap opening time, percentage drug released in 5(Q(5)), 6(Q(6)), and 12(Q(12)) h were taken as dependent variables. RESULTS: Dissolution data were fitted to various models to ascertain the kinetic of drug release. Regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed for dependent variables. The results of the F-statistics were used to select the most appropriate model. CONCLUSION: Formulation F(1) containing sodium starch glycolate, potassium chloride, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M plug was considered optimum since it showed more similarity to the theoretical predicted dissolution profile (f(2) = 77.33). The studies indicate that the formulation was effective in providing in vitro colon targeted release and controlled release after predetermined lag time.

Formulation and evaluation of mixed matrix gastro-retentive drug delivery for famotidine.

INTRODUCTION: Present investigation describes an influence of ratio of Gelucire 43/01(hydrophobic) to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC K4M) (hydrophilic) and different fillers on release of famotidine from gastro-retentive tablets using 3(2) full factorial design. Ratio of Gelucire 43/01 to HPMC K4M (X(1)) and the type of filler (X(2)) were selected as independent variables while buoyancy lag time (BLT), drug release at 1h (Q(1)), 6h (Q(6)), and the 12h (Q(12)) were selected as dependent variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastro-retentive tablets of famotidine were prepared by a solvent free melt granulation technique using Gelucire 43/01 as a hydrophobic meltable binder. HPMC K4M and sodium bicarbonate were used as matrixing agent and gas-generating agent, respectively. Prepared tablets were evaluated for in vitro dissolution, in vitro buoyancy, friability, hardness, drug content and weight variation. Dissolution data were fitted to various models to ascertain kinetics of drug release. The data were analyzed using regression analysis and analysis of variance. RESULTS: All formulations (F(1)-F(9)) showed floating within 3min and had total floating time of more than 12h. It was observed that a type of filler and the ratio of Gelucire 43/01 to HPMC K4M had significant influence on buoyancy lag time (P = 0.037) and Q(6) (P = 0.011), respectively without significant influence on Q(1) and Q(12). CONCLUSION: Formulation F(5) was selected as an optimum formulation as it showed more similarity in dissolution profile with theoretical profile (Similarity factor, f(2) = 83.01). The dissolution of batch F(5) can be described by zero order kinetics (r(2) = 0.9914) with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion as a release mechanism (n = 0.559). The difference observed in in vitro release profile after temperature sensitivity study at 40°C for 1 month was insignificant.

Formulation and evaluation of controlled-release tablet of zolpidem tartrate by melt granulation technique.

The present investigation describes the influence of the concentration of PEG 6000 as a melt binder and ratio of HPMC K4M : PVP on Zolpidem tartrate controlled-release tablet formulations using 3(2) full factorial design. The ratio of HPMC K4M and PVP K30 (X(1)) and the concentration of melt binder (X(2)) were selected as independent variables, and drug release at 1 hr (Q(1)), 4 hr (Q(4)), 8 hr (Q(8)), diffusion coefficient (n), and release rate constant (K) were selected as a dependent variable. Tablets were prepared by melt granulation technique and evaluated for various evaluation parameters. It was observed that concentration of melt binder had significant effect on Q(1), Q(4), n, and K Binder concentration 25% w/w was found optimum. Optimized formulation (F(7)) showed good similarity with theoretical profile of drug. The X(2) variable had a significant effect on dependent variables, and the X(1) variable had no significant effect on dependent variables.

Formulation and evaluation of floating oral in situ gelling system of amoxicillin.

Purpose. Effective Helicobacter pylori eradication requires delivery of the antibiotic locally in the stomach. High dose of amoxicillin (750 to 1000 mg) is difficult to incorporate in floating tablets but can easily be given in liquid dosage form. Keeping the above facts in mind, we made an attempt to develop a new floating in situ gelling system of amoxicillin with increased residence time using sodium alginate as gelling polymer to eradicate H. pylori. Methods. Floating in situ gelling formulations were prepared using sodium alginate, calcium chloride, sodium citrate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K100, and sodium bicarbonate. The prepared formulations were evaluated for solution viscosity, floating lag time, total floating time, and in vitro drug release. The formulation was optimized using a 3(2) full factorial design. Dissolution data were fitted to various models to ascertain kinetic of drug release. Regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed for dependent variables. Results. All formulations (F(1)-F(9)) showed floating within 30 s and had total floating time of more than 24 h. All the formulations showed good pourability. It was observed that concentration of sodium alginate and HPMC K100 had significant influence on floating lag time, cumulative percentage drug release in 6 h and 10 h. The batch F(8) was considered optimum since it showed more similarity in drug release (f(2) = 74.38) to the theoretical release profile. Conclusion. Floating in situ gelling system of amoxicillin can be formulated using sodium alginate as a gelling polymer to sustain the drug release for 10 to 12 h with zero-order release kinetics.

Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patch of repaglinide.

Repaglinide has the half life of 1 hour, and bioavailability in the body is 56% due to first-pass metabolism. The total daily dose of Repaglinide is 16 mg (e.g., 4 mg four times daily depending on meal patterns); hence, it required frequent dosing. Transdermal patch of Repaglinide was prepared to sustain the release and improve bioavailability of drug and patient compliance. Different formulations were prepared by varying the grades of HPMC and concentration of PVP K30 by solvent casting method. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various parameters like thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance, % elongation, % moisture content, % moisture uptake, % drug content, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeation, and drug excipient compatibility. A 3(2) full factorial design was applied to check the effect of varying the grades of HPMC (X(1)) and PVP concentration (X(2)) on the responses, that is, tensile strength, percentage drug released in 1 hr (Q(1)), 9 hr (Q(9)), and diffusion coefficient as a dependent variables. In vitro release data were fitted to various models to ascertain kinetic of drug release. Regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed for dependent variables. The results of the F2 statistics between factorial design batches and theoretical profile were used to select optimized batch. Batch F6 was considered optimum batch which contained HPMC K100 and PVP (1.5%), showed release 92.343% up to 12 hr, and was more similar to the theoretical predicted dissolution profile (f(2) = 69.187).

Rapid quantification of lamotrigine in human plasma by two LC systems connected with tandem MS.

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method has been developed and validated for the determination of lamotrigine in human plasma using multiplexing technique (two HPLC units connected to one MS-MS). Lamotrigine was extracted from human plasma by solid-phase extraction technique using Oasis Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance (HLB) or N-vinylpyrrolidone and divinylbenzene cartridge. A structural analog, 3,5-diamino-6-phenyl-1,2,4-triazine, was used as an internal standard (IS). A BetaBasic C(8) column was used for the chromatographic separation of analytes. The mass transition [M+H](+) ions used for detection were m/z 256.0 --> 211.0 for lamotrigine and m/z 188.0 --> 143.0 for IS. The method involved a simple multiplexing, rapid solid-phase extraction without evaporation and reconstitution. The proposed method has been validated for a linear range of 0.025 to 10.000 microg/mL with a correlation coefficient > or = 0.9991. The limit of quantification for lamotrigine was 0.025 microg/mL, and limit of detection was 50.000 pg/mL. The intra-run and inter-run precision and accuracy were within 10.0% for intra-HPLC runs and inter-HPLC runs. The overall recoveries for lamotrigine and IS were 97.9% and 92.5%, respectively. Total MS run time was 1.4 min per sample. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for applications in pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, bioequivalence, or in vitro in vivo correlation studies.

Quantification of paroxetine in human plasma by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid LC coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of paroxetine in heparinized human plasma. The plasma samples were prepared by the solid-phase extraction method without drying or reconstitution. Elution was done with 0.5 mL 0.2% (v/v) formic acid in methanol-acetonitrile (65 + 35, v/v). The analyte and the internal standard (IS; imipramine hydrochloride) were chromatographed on a BDS Hypersil C18 column. The analyte was analyzed by LC/MS/MS with only 1.7 min run time. An ESI interface was chosen for ionization of the analyte from the sample matrix. Selected reaction monitoring mode for detection of paroxetine and the IS were achieved by using m/z 330.17/192.10 and 281.13/86.14, respectively. The LC retention times for paroxetine and imipramine were 0.94 and 1.05 min, respectively. The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.5-80.0 ng/mL with r > or = 0.9995. Recovery of paroxetine and imipramine ranged from 90 to 95%. The assay has been successfully applied to bioequivalence study samples for estimation of paroxetine in healthy human subjects.

In vitro-in vivo correlation of modified release dosage form of lamotrigine.

The plasma concentration profile of lamotrigine was predicted from the dissolution test data of the modified release 100 mg lamotrigine tablet by applying the in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC). Three different release formulations (L-1, L-2 and L-3) and its profiles of in vitro data were generated in different dissolution media. Pharmacokinetics evaluation of these formulations was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers. In vitro-in vivo correlation was established from the generated dissolution and bioavailability data. A good correlation between the percentages dissolved vs absorbed (r2>0.989) was obtained using level A correlation. Evaluation of the internal predictability of level A correlation was calculated in terms of percent prediction error, which was found to be below 15%.

Rapid determination of losartan and losartan acid in human plasma by multiplexed LC-MS/MS.

A rapid LC-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the determination of losartan (LOS) and its metabolite losartan acid (LA) (EXP-3174) in human plasma using multiplexing technique (two HPLC units connected to one MS/MS). LOS and LA were extracted from human plasma by SPE technique using Oasis HLB cartridge without evaporation and reconstitution steps. Hydroflumethiazide (HFTZ) was used as an internal standard (IS). The analytes were separated on Zorbax SB C-18 column. The mass transition [M-H] ions used for detection were m/z 421.0 --> 127.0 for LOS, m/z 435.0 --> 157.0 for LA, and m/z 330.0 --> 239.0 for HFTZ. The proposed method was validated over the concentration range of 2.5-2000 ng/mL for LOS and 5.0-3000 ng/mL for LA with correlation coefficient > or = 0.9993. The overall recoveries for LOS, LA, and IS were 96.53, 99.86, and 94.16%, respectively. Total MS run time was 2.0 min/sample. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for applications in 100 mg fasted and fed pharmacokinetic studies.

A rapid and specific approach for direct measurement of donepezil concentration in human plasma by LC-MS/MS employing solid-phase extraction.

A selective, rapid and simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method is described for assay of donepezil in human plasma using escitalopram as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Betabasic-C(8), 5 microm, 100 x 4.6 mm column using methanol:water:formic acid (90:9.97:0.03, v/v/v) as mobile phase. Detection of donepezil and internal standard was achieved by ESI MS/MS in positive ion mode using 380.20/91.10 and 325.13/262.00 transitions, respectively. The linearity over the concentration range of 0.15-50 ng/mL for donepezil was obtained and the lower limit of quantification was 0.15 ng/mL. For each level of quality control samples, inter-day and intra-day precisions (RSD) were < or =8.92 and 10.35% and accuracy (%RE) were < or =7.33% and 9.33%, respectively. The recovery was more than 88.50% for both donepezil and internal standard by solid-phase extraction, eliminating evaporation and reconstitution steps.