Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficacy of sertraline used to treat social anxiety

INTRODUCTION

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an emerging, often invalidating, syndrome with deep personal, social and psychological implications. While multiple treatment strategies exist, presently none of them can be considered superior to all others.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to provide the latest information on sertraline (SRT), one of the most important selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) currently used for the pharmacological therapy of SAD. A literature search was carried out with the keywords 'sertraline', 'social anxiety', 'social phobia' and 'clinical trials'. In this process, particular attention is paid to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its safety in clinical use.

EXPERT OPINION

SRT is an effective drug in the treatment of SAD, especially when used in combination with some form of psychological support. While it does not seem to be significantly more effective than other SSRIs, SRT could offer some peculiar advantages: for example, it has a long half-life, allowing a single daily administration, and seems to be particularly indicated for the control of specific symptoms of SAD.

Chiral analysis of pharmaceuticals by capillary electrophoresis using antibiotics as chiral selectors

The review summarizes the use of the chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE) with different class of antibiotics as chiral selectors in the pharmaceutical field. Basic factors influencing the enantioseparation are shortly discussed. Non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis is also included as well as the coupling of CE to MS. The selection of a chiral selector according the ionic state and structure of the analyte is described. Summary of pharmaceutical applications of chiral CE is given.

Chiral determination of antidepressant drugs and their metabolites in biological samples

The determination of chiral drugs and their metabolites in biological samples is key to gaining a full understanding of enantioselective drug action and disposition, as well as establishing the advantages of using racemate or isolated enantiomers. In this review, methods published in the last 8 years regarding the analysis of chiral antidepressant drugs and their metabolites in biological fluids (e.g., plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid) are reviewed. The importance and interest in analyzing the enantiomers of the active compound and its metabolites in biological samples are also discussed.