Solid phase extraction chromatography and NMR spectroscopy (SPEC-NMR) for the rapid identification of drug metabolites in urine.

The use of solid phase extraction onto disposable columns containing a C18 bonded silica gel provides a rapid and simple procedure for the removal of interfering endogenous components from urine samples containing drug metabolites prior to detection and identification by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, these columns can be used to retain and concentrate the compounds of interest, thus improving the effective sensitivity of the NMR detection method. Using simple step gradients chromatographic separations can be performed, and metabolites may be rapidly fractionated. This approach (solid phase extraction chromatography with NMR or SPEC-NMR) utilises the multiparametric metabolite detection facility of a Fourier transform NMR spectrometer to monitor a chromatographic separation, as such it has some of the beneficial properties of a directly linked liquid chromatography-NMR system without any of the disadvantages. Applications of the SPEC-NMR method in the investigation of drug metabolism are illustrated here by reference to excretion studies on the drugs ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, oxpentifylline and naproxen.