Comparative analysis of antiepileptic drugs by gas chromatography using capillary or packed columns and by fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

The gas chromatographic (GC) quantification of underivatized antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone in fused-silica capillary columns was compared with that in packed columns. Excellent correlation was demonstrated between the two column methods by slopes of 0.99 to 1.05, by Y-intercepts of -0.47 to 0.28 and by r values of 0.996 and 0.997. In addition, some of the specimens from GC analysis by both column methods were compared with data obtained for these drugs as analyzed with the Abbott TDx system. Data obtained by both GC column methods showed excellent correlation.