Determination of Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine antagonist, in human plasma by gas-liquid chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. Application to single-dose pharmacokinetic studies.

A sensitive (to 3 ng/ml) and specific method for analysis of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 is described. The method utilizes gas-liquid chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. A neutral pH ethyl acetate extraction of 0.1-3.0 ml plasma is used for sample preparation. Standard curves using methylclonazepam as the internal standard are linear for plasma concentrations up to 200 ng/ml. Applicability of the method is demonstrated by a pharmacokinetic study in a normal volunteer who received 10 mg Ro 15-1788 intravenously.