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Abstract
The body of evidence gained up to date is sufficient to indicate that high-pressure liquid chromatography (LC) has versatility and sensitivity in abundance for analyzing tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), as well as their active metabolites, in body fluids.
The present review deals with an outline of those practical aspects that must be recognized for a correct LC analysis of these compounds in plasma. As examples of application of methodology, selected methods, among those available in the recent literature, are supplied in a summarized form throughout the text.
Extraction of TCAs is carried out by either classical liquidliquid (involving one, two or three steps) or liquid-solid procedures. Recoveries reported usually range from 60 to 100% of most common TCAs.
Separation modes include either the adsorption or partition chromatography with the possible use of alkylphenyl columns, paired-ion chromatography or CN-bonded columns.
Application of ultraviolet spectrophotometry, usually at a wavelength of around 250 nm, yields a sensitivity of 5–20 ng/ml of most commonly used TCAs, sufficient for both experimental and clinical purposes.
The within-run and day-to-day CVs reported by most methods are below 10 and 15%, respectively.