Determination of 8-methoxypsoralen in human plasma by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography
Van Boven, M.; Daenens, P.
Journal de Pharmacie de Belgique 35(2): 103-106
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-2166 PMID: 7391925 Document Number: 160858
A rapid, sensitive and specific gas-liquid chromatographic determination for the measurement of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) [anti-psoriatic drug] in human plasma is reported. After a single extraction of the sample to which dihydro-8-methoxy-psoralen was added as an internal standard, using a solvent mixture of n-hexane and 2-propanol (95/5 by volume), the organic phase is concentrated and, after chromatography on a 3% Carbowax 20 M column, measured with an electron-capture detector. The detection limit was of the order of 5 ng/ml plasma for a 1 ml specimen. These limits can be increased almost 5-fold by using a 4 or 5 ml specimen per assay if needed. The method has been used successfully to determine plasma levels in patients after a single oral 40 mg dose of 8-MOP.