Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry applied to a study of the metabolism of pentamidine. Discussion of possibilities and problems.

Tandem mass spectrometry is usually employed to achieve rapid screening or structure elucidation. We have used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in order to detect metabolites of the antiprotozoal drug pentamidine in urine. Samples of urine from rat and man were analysed both by direct injection and after solid-phase extraction. The present paper discusses advantages and disadvantages of using direct injection of urine samples, optimization of chromatographic conditions with regard to the performance of the mass spectrometer, automation and stability of the entire system.