VOLTAMMETRIC DETERMINATION OF THE ANTIDEPRESSANT TRIMIPRAMINE AT A LIPID-MODIFIED CARBON-PASTE ELECTRODE

The voltammetric behavior of trimipramine at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with some fatty acids is investigated. This hydrophobic drug is accumulated at the electrode by a combined adsorption/extract ion process, with greatly enhanced response over the unmodified paste. The linear-scan response was characterized with respect to preconcent ration period, pH, paste composition, reproducibility, possible interf erences, and other variables. The detection limit was found to be 1 x 10(-9) M. The determination of trimipramine in urine required no pretr eatment other than dilution with phosphate buffer and medium exchange technique.