Comparison of Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid-Liquid Extraction Methods for Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Diltiazem and its Metabolites in Plasma

A rapid solid-phase extraction method for the determination of diltiazem and its metabolites from plasma was compared to a conventional liquid-liquid extraction procedure we have described previously. Analytical recovery for all compounds was greater than 90 % for solid-phase extraction whereas for liquid-liquid extraction, mean recovery ranged from 67 to 82 %. The increase of extraction efficiency was closely related to an improvement of the detection limit for the metabolites. Solid phase extraction procedure was found to be more convenient, rapid and sensitive than liquid-liquid extraction and represents a useful analytical tool for the monitoring of diltiazem and its metabolites in clinical investigations.