High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and extraction investigation for the simultaneous determination of mefloquine and its carboxylic acid metabolite.

Distribution ratios of mefloquine ion pairs with perchlorate and heptanesulphonate as counter-ions, the base distribution for mefloquine, the acid distribution for the carboxylic acid metabolite and the ion-pair distribution with quaternary ammonium ions as counter ions have been determined. Differences in retention characteristics with several commercially available supports bearing the same octadecyl label were found. The effect on the retention time of the pH, the percentage acetonitrile and the addition of an amine to the mobile phase were studied. Other antimalarial drugs present concurrently in the sample showed no chromatographic interference with mefloquine and its metabolite. A suitable internal standard for use in the analytical method was also tested.