Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) analysis by reversed-phase liquid chromatography was achieved by a novel approach using two mini phenyl columns (4. 5 multiplied by 50 mm). Analyses were organized into two drug groups: 1. n-desmethyl doxepin, doxepin, nortriptyline and amitriptyline, and 2. desipramine and imipramine. Chromatographic parameters were: two mini phenyl columns; mobile phase 0. 01 M n-nonylamine in 0. 02 M NaH//2PO//4, pH equals 3. 0/ACN (9:1); flow rate 3. 0 ml/min. ; ambient temperature; sample volume 50 ul, and detection wavelength 214 nm at 0. 01 to 0. 05 AUFS. Analysis time was about 8 minutes. Peak height ratios were linearly correlated to concentrations ranging from 25 to 800 mu g/L. Criteria are suggested for using this procedure as a viable alternative for TCAs monitoring.
