Ultra-fast chromatographic micro-assay for quantification of diphenidol in plasma: application in an oral multi-dose switchability trial

Pharmacokinetics of diphenidol (DPN) is limited due to the lack of analytical methodology. Here, a micro-assay for DPN quantification was developed, by coupling ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure involved plasma precipitation and injection of supernatant into UPLC with an Acquitytrade mark C18 column. Detection was in positive electrospray, following transitions of m/z 310.3 --> 292.3 and m/z 275.3 --> 230.2 for DPN and chlorphenamine (internal standard), respectively. The method was linear with a range of 4-400 ng/mL, and a 2 min run time. This method was applied in a switchability trial, where both formulations of DPN were bioequivalent.