Bioanalysis of anti-ulcer agents

Abstract

In reviewing the analytical methods for the analysis of anti-ulcer drugs we observed an increase in the utilization of solid-phase extraction techniques, though the traditional liquid—liquid methods are still predominant. Liquid chromatographic techniques are employed more than gas chromatographic methods which reflects the general trend in chromatographic analysis for analytes in the nanogram range. We foresee a continued increase in the use of solid-phase extraction methodology (automated or otherwise) due to the potential for dramatic decreases in extraction times, cost and significant enhancement of extraction efficiency. Because the therapeutic concentrations of these drugs tend to be in the low nanogram range in plasma and the current trend in drug development is toward more potent agents, we anticipate the application of more sensitive liquid chromatographic detection techniques such as electrochemical and chemiluminescence detection to overcome the limitations of currently used technology.