Journal Published Online: 01 January 1975
Volume 20, Issue 1

Identification of Flurazepam (Dalmane ) and a Primary Metabolite in Urine by Thin-Layer Chromatography

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Flurazepam hydrochloride (Dalmane®) is a relatively new hypnotic agent gaining widespread usage in adults as a “sleeping pill.” Flurazepam is structurally related to the diazebenzapine tranquilizers, diazepam (Valium®) and chlorodiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium®) It is not classified by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations as a drug of abuse; however, any hypnotic, sedative, or tranquilizer which has widespread usage always has the potential for abuse. Until the recent mention by Sturner and Garriott [1] in their article on L-DOPA poisoning, few methods have been available for the detection of flurazepam in blood or urine or both with the exception of those by Swartz et al [2,3] and de Silva and Strojny [4]. A relatively simple, reliable method for the detection of flurazepam in urine could assist in identifying persons abusing or overdosed with the drug. This report describes a simple thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for the qualitative identification of flurazepam in urine based upon the presence of flurazepam and a primary urinary metabolite, 7-chloro-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (FM).

Author Information

Manno, BR
Louisiana State Univerisity Medical School in Shreveport, Shreveport, La.
Baker, JR
Clinical Laboratory, Veterans Administration Hospital, Shreveport, La.
Manno, JE
Louisiana State University Medical School i n Shreveport, Shreveport, La.
Hughes, JR
Veterans Administration Hospital, Shreveport, La.
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10238J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10238J