Combined use of an automated sample processor and a polymer-based high-performance liquid chromatographic column to determine the pharmacokinetics of labetalol in man.

An improved high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay has been developed for the analysis of labetalol in human plasma. The method is based on the combined use of an automated sample processor, reversed-phase analysis on a microparticulate polymer-based HPLC column and fluorescence detection. The pH stability of the polymeric column packing material allowed the use of a mobile phase adjusted to pH 9.5, which was optimal for the fluorescence of labetalol. Assay validation was undertaken over the labetalol concentration range 2-100 ng/ml. Calibration curves were essentially linear, and the mean coefficient of variation was 5.3%. The assay has been used for the analysis of clinical samples in support of pharmacokinetic studies.