Simultaneous Quantitation of Atenolol, Metoprolol, and Propranolol in Biological Matrices Via LC/MS

Abstract

Hypertension is a growing medical concern in the United States. With the number of Americans suffering from hypertension increasing, the use of antihypertensives such as beta-blockers is increasing as well. In fact, three beta-blockers - atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol - were among the 200 most prescribed medications in the United States in 2003. Pilots that successfully manage their hypertension can remain certified to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration currently designates approximately 8% of active pilots as "hypertensive with medication." The Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) performs toxicological evaluation on victims of fatal aviation accidents. At CAMI beta-blockers are analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. We have, however, recently developed a liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS) method for the simultaneous quantitation of three commonly prescribed beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol. One advantage of our LC/MS method is the specificity provided by an ion trap MS. Utilizing an ion trap MS, we were able to conduct MS/MS and MS/MS/MS on each analyte. This method also eliminates the time-consuming and costly derivitization step necessary during GC/MS analysis. Additionally, by utilizing this novel method, any concerns about beta-blocker metabolite and/or sample matrix interference are eliminated. The limits of detection for this method ranged from 0.39 - 0.78 ng/mL, and the linear dynamic range was generally 1.6 - 3200 ng/mL. The extraction efficiencies for each analyte ranged from 58 - 82%. This method was successfully applied to postmortem fluid and tissue specimens obtained from victims of three separate aviation accidents.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA460843

Entities

People

  • Robert D. Johnson
  • Russell J. Lewis

Organizations

  • Federal Aviation Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Accuracy
  • Alcohols
  • Aviation Accidents
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Collisions
  • Fluids
  • Hydroxides
  • Identification
  • Ion Traps
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Mass Spectrometers
  • Tissues
  • United States
  • Water

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Technology Areas

  • Space