Semi-automated gas chromatographic method for the assay of tiaramide (RHC 2592) in serum samples.
A rapid and selective semi-automated gas chromatographic method, suitable for the routine assay of tiaramide in serum samples is described. The drug and the internal standard, perphenazine, were extracted with methylene chloride from alkalinized serum samples, and the trimethylsilyl ether derivatives were quantitated by a 63Ni electron-capture detector. Linearity was observed for the range of 0.1-6.0 microgram/ml. The average coefficient of variation for all concentration points over a two-week period was 8.5 +/- 1.3%. Using an auto-sampler, the assay rate was 60 to 70 unknown samples in one man-day. The serviceability of the method has been demonstrated in a trial study in which an experimental tablet was given to three dogs. By taking a larger aliquot of the organic extract, a greater sensitivity can be attained if required. This was demonstrated by a trial study with human subjects.