Target urinary analytes for the gas chromatographic- mass spectrometric detection of procyclidine and benzhexol in drug abuse cases.

The two antiparkinsonian drugs procyclidine and benzhexol are presently finding considerable favor for their euphoric hallucinogenic effects among drug abusers in some countries. In anticipation of their possible scheduling in national drug laws, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods for their detection in urine will be required. However, because of uncertainty of the metabolic fate of the two drugs in humans, the urinary target analytes for GC-MS detection were not well defined.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry designation and prediction of metabolic dealkylation and hydroxylation reactions in xenobiotics exemplified by tramadol.

Metabolic dealkylation and hydroxylation reactions in xenobiotics are common and may take place at different sites in the molecules. Sometimes confusion may arise as to the nature and site of the resulting metabolic change when there is more than one potential site. The use of GC-MS in resolving the problem has been demonstrated by using tramadol as example.