Simultaneous quantification of the enantiomers of verapamil and its N-demethylated metabolite in human plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A stereoselective bioanalytical method for the simultaneous quantification of the enantiomers of verapamil and its active main metabolite norverapamil in human plasma has been developed and validated. The samples were analysed by liquid chromatography–electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS) in the Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mode using a deuterated internal standard. The stationary phase used for the chiral separation was a Chiral-AGP®. The enantiomers of verapamil were selectively detected from those of norverapamil by the mass spectrometer due to different molecular masses, although there was a chromatographic co-elution. Thus, time-consuming procedures like achiral preseparation or chemical derivatisation could be avoided. Higher detection sensitivity than earlier published methods based on fluorescence detection was obtained, although a mobile phase of high water-content and high flow-rate was introduced into the electrospray interface (85% aqueous ammonium acetate pH 7.4+15% acetonitrile at 0.6 ml/min). The enantiomers of verapamil and norverapamil could be quantified at levels down to 50 pg and 60 pg/500 μl plasma sample, respectively, with R.S.D. in the range of 3.6–7.8%. The presented method was successfully applied to an in vivo intestinal absorption and bioavailability study in humans, using the Loc-I-Gut® method.