Analysis of carbamazepine and its active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive method based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed for the determination of carbamazepine (CBZ) and one of its active metabolites, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E) in human plasma. CBZ, CBZ-E and the internal standard (IS) 10,11-dihydrocarbamazepine were extracted from human plasma into methyl tert-butyl ether. CBZ, CBZ-E and the IS were successfully separated on an RP C18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile:methanol:water (18:19:63, v/v/v) and monitored via UV detection at 210 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 0.01–10 μg/mL for CBZ and 0.005–5 μg/mL for CBZ-E in human plasma, respectively. The method displayed excellent sensitivity, precision and accuracy, and was successfully applied to the quantification of CBZ and CBZ-E in human plasma after oral administration of a single 200 mg CBZ CR tablet. This method is suitable for bioequivalence studies following single doses given to healthy volunteers.