Simultaneous determination of methylated barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs by high-resolution gas chromatography.

Several barbiturates and other anticonvulsant drugs can be analyzed simultaneously as dimethylated derivatives by high-resolution gas chromatography with a solid flash methylation injector. Quantitative determinations were performed on test serum during a quality control scheme. The sensitivity (+/- 0.1 mug/ml) and the accuracy are compatible with the measurement of therapeutic levels of barbiturates. The advantages of the method are discussed.