Analytical Methods for Venlaflaxine Hydrochloride and Metabolites Determinations in Different Matrices

There may be significant variation in stereoisomers related to distribution, bioavailability, metabolism, and excretion. Venlafaxine is a bicyclic phenylethylamine derivative, a unique antidepressant,which structurally differs from other currently available anti-depressants. Its mechanism of action is believed to be associated with triggering neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. This drug is a racemic mixture of the (−)-R-enantiomer and (+)-S-enantiomer. O-desmethylvenlaflaxine is the major metabolite formed after first pass metabolism with similar potency as parent drug. Two less potent minor metabolites are N-desmethylvenlafaxine and N,O-didesmethylvenlafaxine. Thus, summarization of all of the analytical methods for the determination of venlaflaxine alone, in combination, or in the presence of other metabolites, is summarized. The keywords used for search were “Analytical methods on Venlaflaxine,” “Determination of venlaflaxine,” “Determination of venlaflaxine and metabolites,” and “Venlaflaxine plasma determinations.” Eight spectrophotometry, 26 chromatography, and seven electroanalytical methods were found for the determination of venlaflaxine alone, in formulations, biological matrices, and simultaneous determinations with metabolites and other anti-depressants. Short review of pharmacological activity of venlaflaxine and its metabolites are also presented.