DETERMINATION OF PIRACETAM IN HUMAN PLASMA AND URINE BY LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

A method for the determination of piracetam in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography with absorbance detection at 206 nm and isocr atic elution is proposed. The assay involved a liquid-liquid extractio n into hextane-2-propanol at pH 9.2. The calibration graphs were linea r in the range 3-40 mg/l in plasma and 100-2000 mg/l in urine. Bias wa s negligible and coefficients of variation were less than 10% througho ut the working range except at 100 mg/l in urine. The limits of quanti fication were 3 mg/l in plasma and 100 mg/l in urine. The assay was re liably used for pharmacokinetic studies in humans after administration of 800 mg of piracetam per os.