Determination of disopyramide and its mono-N-dealkylated metabolite in blood serum and urine.

A rapid, precise and accurate assay for disopyramide and mono-N-dealkylated disopyramide concentrations in blood serum and urine is described. The method involves extraction of the drugs from a basic aqueous medium into chloroform, derivatization of the metabolite, purification of the extract and gas chromatographic analysis using an OV-17 liquid phase and flame ionization detection. Unique characteristics of the procedure, direct derivatization in the organic phase and the use of Florisil to separate the drugs from interfering materials, should be applicable to the analysis of other basic drugs in biological specimens.