[Investigations of guaifenesine metabolism with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry].

Recently the authors about toxicological investigations after uptake of guaiacol glyceryl ether containing drugs. There had been detected two intensive pink spots on the TLC from urine samples after detection with Marquis-reagent. It is reported about the identification of Catechol glyceryl ether and Hydroxyguaifenesine via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Until today only the oxidation of guaiacol glyceryl ether to beta-(2-methoxyphenoxy)lactic acid is described. The demethylation of G. is performed by O-Demethylase localized in liver microsomes. This enzyme seems to be the main enzyme for the metabolism of G. It is pointed out to a pharmacologically interesting relationship between the chemical structure of guaiacol glyceryl ether and codeine.