Thin-Layer Chromatographic Screening and Confirmation of Methadone and Its Primary Metabolite in Urine

Abstract
Methadone [itself a drug of abuse] is extensively used in maintenance and detoxification programs for the treatment of heroin addiction. A TLC method for the simultaneous screening and confirmation of methadone and its primary metabolite (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine) in human urine specimens is presented. Urine is made basic and extracted with organic solvent. After separation and concentration, the residue is spotted, half on each of 2 TLC plates. One plate is developed in an ethyl acetate:methanol:diethylamine (90:10:1.6) solvent system and the 2nd in an ethyl acetate:methylene chloride:propylamine (85:17:1.0) solvent system. Methadone and its primary metabolite can be detected in concentrations as low as 0.5 .mu.g/ml without interference from other drugs and urinary substances.

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