Separation methods for tricyclic antiviral drugs.

A review of the published analytical methodology for the tricyclic antiviral (TAV) drugs is presented. While amantadine and rimantadine are the only two approved drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of the influenza A virus, amantadine has also been approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In addition, a few structurally related compounds are finding important clinical applications in other central nervous system-related disorders. To effectively evaluate the pharmacokinetics, biotransformations, stability, and other critical parameters that are necessary for pre-clinical and clinical studies, analytical methodology that conforms to the rigors of regulatory requirements must be developed and made available. This review discusses the analytical methods used in the determination of amantadine, rimantadine, tromantadine and memantine and the pre-clinical and clinical application of these techniques.