Rapid and sensitive electron-capture gas chromatographic method for the determination of pinazepam and its metabolites in human plasma, urine and milk.

A rapid, sensitive and specific gas-liquid chromatographic method for the measurement of pinazepam and its metabolites in biological fluids is reported. After a single extraction of the sample with toluene, the organic phase is concentrated and, after chromatography on a 3% OV-17 column, measured with an electron-capture detector. The sensitivity was 1.0 ng/ml for pinazepam and 5.0 ng/ml for its metabolites. Plasma levels and urinary excretion in human volunteers and plasma and milk levels in women suffering from anxiety during breastfeeding are reported.