Improved method for the rapid determination of isosorbide dinitrate in human plasma and its application in pharmacokinetic studies.

A rapid, accurate and highly sensitive method was developed for the determination of isosorbide dinitrate in human plasma. Concentrations in the lower nanogram and subnanogram range are determined by a one-step extraction of 2 ml plasma, containing 4 ng/ml nitroglycerine as internal standard, with 5.5 ml n-pentane. The extract is subjected to gas--liquid chromatography--electron capture detection analysis. The lower limit of quantitation is 200 pg/ml, but concentrations as low as 50 pg/ml are still detectable. The method allows the quantitative determination of isosorbide dinitrate plasma levels in man following a 5 mg sublingual administration up to four hours after application.