| Abstract: | Abstract A simple, sensitive, and reproducible HPLC method has been developed for the determination of metoclopramide employing reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 270 nm. The separation was performed on a Novapak C18, 4 μm (3.9 × 150 mm) column. Acetonitrile (18%) in 0.02 M ammonium acetate containing 0.1% triethylamine was used as the mobile phase and the run time was 7 min. Tramadol was used as the internal standard. The mean retention times of metoclopramide and tramadol were 3.4 and 4.6 min, respectively. Linear response (r > 0.997) was observed over the range of 0.025–5 μg/ml of metoclopramide. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between inter- and intra-day studies for metoclopramide. The mean relative standard deviations (RSD%) of the results of within-day precision and accuracy of the drug were < 10%. The applicability of the assay was demonstrated in measuring metoclopramide pharmacokinetics in rats. The elimination half-life was 2.09 ± 0.39 h with an apparent clearance of 2.45 ± 0.70 (L/h)/kg in rat. |
