Methods for the analysis of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs in biological matrices.
Zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon (Z-drugs) are nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs that are used for the treatment of insomnia. These drugs were developed with the intent to overcome some disadvantages of benzodiazepines, such as dependence and next day sedation. In general, the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs are administered in oral doses daily and are widely biotransformed in the body. A large number of analytical methods based on chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques for the quantification of Z-drugs and their metabolites in biological matrices have been reported. In this review, the bioanalytical methods for Z-drugs were reviewed with the focus placed on sample preparation procedures and the separation techniques used. Furthermore, as these drugs are also reported as drugs of abuse or in drug-facilitated crime, screening methods that simultaneously cover these drugs and also other drugs of abuse were included in this review.
Department of Physics & Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Milena Araújo
MA
Tonon
Pierina Sueli
PS
Bonato
D000081:Acetamides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D010879:Piperazines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077334:Zolpidem
D000081:Acetamides; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; D011725:Pyridines; D011743:Pyrimidines; C515050:zopiclone; D000077334:Zolpidem; C085665:zaleplon