Cloud-Point Extraction Combined with LC–MS for Analysis of Memantine in Rat Plasma

The feasibility of using cloud-point extraction as a simple and effective means of recovery of memantine from rat plasma before LC–MS analysis has been demonstrated. A non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 was used for extraction of the memantine. On increasing the temperature to the cloud point, phase separation occurred, resulting in an aqueous phase, and a surfactant-rich phase containing most of the analytes. The extraction conditions, for example amount of surfactant, temperature, NaOH concentration, and time of incubation, were optimized. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C18 analytical column with 56:44 (v/v) methanol–0.2% aqueous formic acid as isocratic mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1. Under the optimum experimental conditions recovery was satisfactory (91–101%) without interference from the surfactant. The method was shown to be reproducible and reliable with intraday precision below 6.6%, interday precision below 14.3%, and linear range from 1 to 400 ng mL−1. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of memantine in rats after oral and intravenous administration.