MODIFIED SCREENING-PROCEDURE WITH FLUORESCENCE DETECTION FOR FLUNITRAZEPAM AND ITS METABOLITES VIA ACRIDINE-DERIVATIVES

A modified thin-layer chromatographic method with fluorescence detecti on is described for the screening of flunitrazepam and its major metab olites in urine. The method is based on the hydrolysis and subsequent formation of acridine derivatives by cyclization in dimethyl-formamide . This reliable screening procedure, which has proven its usefulness i n many laboratories provides valid results in the absence of diclofena c, carbamazepine, and tricyclic antidepressants. On the other hand the se latter substances are frequently detectable in urine samples taken from addicts especially during therapy. So it was necessary to modify the procedure.