Validated HPLC-MS/MS method for determination of quetiapine in human plasma

Development and validation of high-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometric method for quantification of NDMA in ranitidine drug products and evaluation of antioxidants as inhibitors of classical nitrosation reaction

RATIONALE

N-Nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA) is a mutagenic impurity detected in several ranitidine products. The amino functional group of ranitidine is a risk factor for classical nitrosation-induced NDMA formation in ranitidine drug products during storage conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) recommended the use of antioxidants to control NDMA in drug products. Considering the need for sensitive analytics, a liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method was developed and validated to detect NDMA in this pilot study to demonstrate the antioxidants as inhibitors of nitrosation reactions.

METHODS

The method, utilizing an EC-C18 column and tuned to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/selected ion monitoring (APCI/SIM) mode, separated NDMA (m/z: 75.0553; tR: 3.71 min) and ranitidine (m/z: 315.1485; tR: 8.61 min). APCI mode exhibited four times higher sensitivity to NDMA than electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. Classical nitrosation of the dimethyl amino group of ranitidine was studied with sodium nitrite in solid pellets. Antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and trolox) were evaluated as NDMA attenuators in ranitidine pellets under vulnerable storage conditions. The developed method quantified NDMA levels in samples, extracted with methanol through vortex shaking for 45 min.

RESULTS

The method achieved a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.01 and 0.05 ng/mL, respectively, with linearity within 1-5000 ng/mL (R1: 0.9995). It demonstrated good intra-day and inter-day precision (% RSD [relative standard deviation]: <2) and accuracy (96.83%-101.72%). Nitrosation of ranitidine induced by nitrite was significant (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.9579) at various sodium nitrite levels. All antioxidants efficiently attenuated NDMA formation during ranitidine nitrosation. Ascorbic acid exhibited the highest NDMA attenuation (96.98%), followed by trolox (90.58%). This study recommends 1% ascorbic acid and trolox as potent NDMA attenuators in ranitidine drug products.

CONCLUSIONS

This study compared the effectiveness of antioxidants as NDMA attenuators in ranitidine under storage conditions susceptible to NDMA generation. The study concluded that ascorbic acid and trolox are potent inhibitors of NDMA formation and nitrosation attenuators in ranitidine drug products.

Quetiapine Fumarate: A Review of Analytical Methods

Atypical antipsychotics are newer second-generation antipsychotics with weak dopamine type 2 blocking but potent 5-HT2 antagonistic activity. They are considered first-line treatments for schizophrenia and gradually replace typical antipsychotics. Extrapyramidal side effects are minimal, and they tend to improve impaired cognitive function in psychotics. Quetiapine fumarate is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia, mania and depression in people with bipolar disorder combined with other drugs or alone. Quetiapine was developed in 1985 and approved for medical use in the USA in 1997. Thorough computer-aided literature, surveys revealed that numerous analytical methods were reported over the years. The present study reviews analytical methods with their validation parameters published during the last 22 years (1999-2021) either as a single entity or combination in dosage form, and determination from biological samples. Novel strategies for increasing separation quality, such as QbD analysis and green spectroscopy, were discovered during the evaluation, and this review can be utilized for further research reference.

Construction of a hydrophobic-hydrophilic open-droplet microfluidic chemosensor towards colorimetric/spectrophotometric recognition of quetiapine fumarate: a cost-benefit method for biomedical analysis using a smartphone

Quetiapine fumarate (QF) is used to treat a number of mental/emotional diseases, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and abrupt bouts of mania or depression linked to bipolar disorder. This antipsychotic medicine can be deadly if an overdose is given to a person. Therefore, the sensitive identification of QF in bodily fluids is very important. In this study, an innovative low-cost colorimetric chemosensor based on silver nanoprism transfiguration in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)/Cl^- matrix was developed and successfully tested for the recognition of QF in human-exhaled breath condensate. Using this non-invasive colorimetric chemosensor, a broad linearity range of 0.001-1000 μM and a low limit of quantification of 0.001 μM for QF were attained. Notably, the proposed optical chemosensor is capable of detecting QF from a minimum amount of sample [500 μM in PBS and 0.001 μM in exhaled breath condensate] in the first few seconds of reaction by the naked eye. So, a rapid colorimetric assay for the on-site analysis of QF was developed and validated. Moreover, for the first time, a semi-analytical method was introduced that can provide a rough estimation of the QF concentration. This colorimetric system was, for the first time, integrated in an optimized microfluidic paper-based colorimetric device (μPCD), promising the development of an engineered colorimetric opto-sensor toward real-time and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) assay of drugs in real-world samples.

Quantification of quetiapine fumarate based on electrochemical analysis by reduced graphene oxide modified nano-silica functionalized with polydopamine and gold nanostars: A novel pharmaceutical analysis strategy

Quetiapine fumarate (QF) is an antipsychotic drug that has been most widely prescribed as an antipsychotic. In this regard, sensitive recognition of QF in bodily fluids must be done accurately. In this work, an electrochemical sensor for QF detection was fabricated, using GNSs-PDA@SiO₂ modified rGO stabilized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). According to the electrical nature of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), polydopamine (PDA), and its composition with nano-silica, the proposed hybrid material is able to enhance the electro-oxidation signals of QF towards its sensitive detection in complex biological media. The morphology of synthesized polymeric nanocomposites and various surfaces of electrodes were investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) methods. Using the square wave voltammetry technique, the fabricated electrochemical sensor could detect QF in the linear range of 500 μM to 3 mM, which low limit of quantification (LLOQ) was obtained as 500 μM, indicating the sensor's appropriate sensitivity. For the first time, the application of novel hybrid material (GNSs-PDA@SiO₂ ) for pharmaceutical analysis in human plasma was studied using electrochemical sensor technology. Based on the obtained analytical results, engineered nano-surface led to entrapment and oxidation of QF in real samples. So, a novel and efficient method for the analysis of QF was designed and validated, which opens a new horizon for pharmaceutical analysis and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM).

Fully Integrated 3D-Printed Electronic Device for the On-Field Determination of Antipsychotic Drug Quetiapine

In this work, we developed a novel all-3D-printed device for the simple determination of quetiapine fumarate (QF) via voltammetric mode. The device was printed through a one-step process by a dual-extruder 3D printer and it features three thermoplastic electrodes (printed from a carbon black-loaded polylactic acid (PLA)) and an electrode holder printed from a non-conductive PLA filament. The integrated 3D-printed device can be printed on-field and it qualifies as a ready-to-use sensor, since it does not require any post-treatment (i.e., modification or activation) before use. The electrochemical parameters, which affect the performance of the sensor in QF determination, were optimized and, under the selected conditions, the quantification of QF was carried out in the concentration range of 5 × 10⁻⁷–80 × 10⁻⁷ mol × L⁻¹. The limit of detection was 2 × 10⁻⁹ mol × L⁻¹, which is lower than that of existing electrochemical QF sensors. The within-device and between-device reproducibility was 4.3% and 6.2% (at 50 × 10⁻⁷ mol × L⁻¹ QF level), respectively, demonstrating the satisfactory operational and fabrication reproducibility of the device. Finally, the device was successfully applied for the determination of QF in pharmaceutical tablets and in human urine, justifying its suitability for routine and on-site analysis.

A Comprehensive Review on Importance and Quantitation of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs and their Active Metabolites in Commercial Dosage Forms

Background:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects more than twenty-one million people throughout the world. Schizophrenia also causes early death. Schizophrenia and other related psychotic ailments are controlled by the prescription of antipsychotic drugs, which act by blocking certain chemical receptors in the brain and thus relieves the symptoms of psychotic disorder. These drugs are present in the different dosage forms in the market and provided in a certain amount as per the need of the patients.

Objective:

Since such medications treat mental disorders, it is very important to have a perfect and accurate dose so that the risk factor is not affected by a higher or lower dose, which is not sufficient for the treatment. For accurate assay of these kinds of drugs, different analytical methods were developed ranging from older spectrophotometric techniques to latest hyphenated methods.

Results:

The current review highlights the role of different analytical techniques that were employed in the determination and identification of antipsychotic drugs and their metabolites. Techniques such as spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry employed in the method development of such antipsychotic drugs were reported in the review. Different metabolites, identified using the hyphenated techniques, were also mentioned in the review. The synthesis pathways of few of the metabolites were mentioned.

Conclusion:

The review summarizes the analyses of different antipsychotic drugs and their metabolites. A brief introduction of illnesses and their symptoms and possible medications were highlighted. Synthesis pathways of the associated metabolites were also mentioned.

Innovative spectrofluorometric protocol based on micro-environment improvement for determination of Quetiapine in dosage forms and rat plasma

Quetiapine (QUT) is an atypical antipsychotic drug indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorders. A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive micellar spectrofluorometric method has been developed and validated for quantitation of QUT in its pharmaceutical formulations with application to content uniformity test, in presence of its degradation product and in rat plasma. The proposed method was based on the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of QUT in 2% v/v tween 80 micellar solution. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 372 nm after excitation at 261 nm. A linear relationship was achieved between the fluorescence intensity and the drug concentration in the range of 20-1000 ng/mL with 18.5 and 6.3 ng/mL as limits of quantitation and detection, respectively. The proposed method was extended to study the stability of QUT after its exposure to different forced degradation conditions such as; acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic and thermal conditions according to ICH guidelines. The study revealed that QUT is stable under all the of these conditions except the oxidative one. Furthermore, the high sensitivity of the micellar method permits its application for determination of QUT in rat plasma with good percentage recovery as well as determination of C_max.

Bioequivalence of two quetiapine extended release tablets in Chinese healthy volunteers under fasting and fed conditions and effects of food on pharmacokinetic profiles

Objective

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the bioequivalence of Quesero extended release (Quesero XR) tablets and Seroquel extended release (Seroquel XR) tablets under fasting and fed conditions and to determine the effect of food on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of Quesero XR or Seroquel XR in Chinese healthy volunteers.

Methods

A single-site, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover design with a 10-day washout period was conducted in 20 subjects under the fed and fasting studies. A single oral dose of 200 mg Quesero XR or Seroquel XR was given to the subjects after an overnight fast of 10 hours. Blood samples were taken at scheduled time spots from 0 hour pre dose to 36 hours post dose. Plasma concentrations of quetiapine were measured by a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. The PK parameters were calculated by non-compartment analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin software.

Results

On both conditions, no significant differences were found among the main PK parameters of the two preparations by analysis of variance (P>0.05); the Wilcoxon test of maximum peak plasma concentration (T_max) showed no significant differences (P>0.05); the 90% confidence limit (CL) of lnC_max, lnAUC_0→36, and lnAUC_0→∞ fell within the acceptable range of 80%–125%. As compared with the fasting state, the T_max was advanced and the mean maximum plasma concentration (C_max), AUC_0→36, and AUC_0→∞ were also increased in the fed state; the geometric mean ratio and 90% CI of the main PK parameters fell outside the range of the CIs; analysis of variance showed significant differences in the other PK parameters except for apparent total clearance after oral administration (clearance rate; P<0.05).

Conclusion

The two formulations of Quesero XR and Seroquel XR are bioequivalent under both fasting and fed conditions, and food may affect the PK profiles by increasing the rate and extent of absorption of Quesero XR or Seroquel XR in Chinese healthy volunteers.

A rapid LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of quetiapine and duloxetine in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic interaction study

Combinations of new antidepressants like duloxetine and second-generation antipsychotics like quetiapine are used in clinical treatment of major depressive disorder, as well as in forensic toxicology scenarios. The drug–drug interaction (DDI) between quetiapine and duloxetine is worthy of attention to avoid unnecessary adverse effects. However, no pharmacokinetic DDI studies of quetiapine and duloxetine have been reported. In the present study, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of quetiapine and duloxetine in rat plasma. A one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile was applied for sample preparation. The analytes were eluted on an Eclipse XDB-C₁₈ column using the mixture of acetonitrile and 2 mM ammonium formate containing 0.1% formic acid at a gradient elution within 6.0 min. Quantification was performed in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode with the ion transitions m/z 384.4 → 253.2 for quetiapine, m/z 298.1→154.1 for duloxetine and m/z 376.2→165.2 for IS (haloperidol), respectively. Good linearity was obtained in the range of 0.50–100 ng/mL for quetiapine (r² = 0.9972) and 1.00–200 ng/mL for duloxetine (r² = 0.9982) using 50 μL of rat plasma, respectively. The method was fully validated with accuracy, precision, matrix effects, recovery and stability. The validated data have met the acceptance criteria in FDA guideline. The method was applied to a pharmacokinetic interaction study and the results indicated that quetiapine had significant effect on the enhanced plasma exposure of duloxetine in rats under combination use. This study could be readily applied in therapeutic drug monitoring of major depressive disorder patients receiving such drug combinations.

Analysis of quetiapine in human plasma using fluorescence spectroscopy

A simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method has been development for the assurance of quetiapine fumarate (QTF). The proposed method was utilized for measuring the fluorescence intensity of the yellow fluorescent product at 510nm (λ_ex 470nm). The fluorescent product has resulted from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of QTF with 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazane (NBD-Cl) in Mcllvaine buffer (pH7.0). The diverse variables influencing the development of the reaction product were deliberately changed and optimized. The linear concentration range of the proposed method was of 0.2-2.0μgml^-1.The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.05 and 0.17μgml^-1, respectively. The proposed method was applied for the assurance of QTF in its tablets without interference from basic excipients. In addition, the proposed method was used for in vitro analysis of the QTF in spiked human plasma, the percent mean recovery was (n=3) 98.82±1.484%.

Determination of quetiapine in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application in a bioequivalence study

A selective, sensitive and simple high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-MS/MS) method for determining quetiapine in human plasma was developed and validated. One-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile was used to pretreat plasma samples. Carbamazepine was used as internal standard. An automated liquid handling workstation with 96-well protein precipitate plate was used to facilitate the process. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters Xbridge C₁₈ column (3.5μm, 2.1mm×50mm). Gradient elution was set with a mobile phase of acetonitrile/water (containing 10mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid).The flow rate was 0.4mL/min and total analytical run time was 3min. The analysis was conducted using a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operating in positive ion mode. The multiple reaction monitoring of transition were m/z 384.2→253.1 for quetiapine and m/z 237.0→194.0 for carbamazepine, respectively. The linear concentration range for the standard curve of quetiapine was 0.5-400ng/mL for a 5μL injection of the pretreated sample (original plasma sample, 50μL). The intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were all less than 15%. The method was successfully used in a bioequivalence study comparing two quetiapine extended-release tablets in Chinese volunteers.

Development and validation of HILIC-ESI/MS/MS methods for simultaneous quantitation of several antipsychotics in human plasma and blood

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of antipsychotic drug levels at point of care (POC) may significantly aid therapeutic decision-making. To support the development of future POC devices and to validate the use of fingerstick capillary blood sampling, two robust hydrophilic interaction LC-ESI/MS/MS methods were developed and validated. Two PK studies were completed evaluating the correlation between fingerstick blood and plasma concentrations with corresponding venous blood and plasma concentrations for several commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics and selected metabolites. Sensitive and reliable LC-MS/MS bioanalytical assays were developed to support these studies.

RESULTS

Three methods, requiring only 25-μl matrix volumes, were developed using supported liquid extraction with hydrophilic interaction LC-MS/MS detection and validated according to regulatory guidance.

CONCLUSION

Robust and efficient LC-MS/MS assays were established and were effective in providing antipsychotic drug matrix comparator results in the intended clinical studies.

On-Line Organic Solvent Field Enhanced Sample Injection in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis for Analysis of Quetiapine in Beagle Dog Plasma

A rapid and sensitive capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with field enhanced sample injection (FESI) was developed and validated for the determination of quetiapine fumarate in beagle dog plasma, with a sample pretreatment by LLE in 96-well deep format plate. The optimum separation was carried out in an uncoated 31.2 cm × 75 μm fused-silica capillary with an applied voltage of 13 kV. The electrophoretic analysis was performed by 50 mM phosphate at pH 2.5. The detection wavelength was 210 nm. Under these optimized conditions, FESI with acetonitrile enhanced the sensitivity of quetiapine about 40-50 folds in total. The method was suitably validated with respect to stability, specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation, accuracy, precision and extraction recovery. Using mirtazapine as an internal standard (100 ng/mL), the response of quetiapine was linear over the range of 1-1000 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions for the assay were within 4.8% and 12.7%, respectively. The method represents the first application of FESI-CZE to the analysis of quetiapine fumarate in beagle dog plasma after oral administration.

Development and validation of a sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization method for simultaneous quantitation of quetiapine and its active metabolite norquetiapine in human plasma

BACKGROUND

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute mania, and acute bipolar depression. The antidepressive response is considered to be mediated by the metabolite norquetiapine (N-desalkylquetiapine), and the aim of this study was to develop an LC-MS/MS method to measure concentrations of these compounds in human plasma.

METHODS

Following one step liquid-liquid extraction, the analytes were separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a Sunfire C18 column (50mm×2.1mm, 5μm). The retention times were 2.12, 2.24, 2.12 and 2.19min for quetiapine, norquetiapine and their respective stable labeled internal standards, respectively. Cycle time was 4min. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in positive ion mode was used for quantitation.

RESULTS

The present method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.5-500ng/ml for quetiapine and 0.6-600ng/ml for norquetiapine. The applicable range was extended by dilution up to 5-fold with blank matrix. The accuracy and precision for quetiapine were <103.0% and 8.8%, for norquetiapine were <108.8% and 11.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid, sensitive, and robust LC-MS/MS method for quantifying quetiapine and its metabolite norquetiapine levels in human plasma was validated and successfully applied to samples from schizophrenic patients in clinical pharmacokinetics studies.

Validation of Quetiapine Fumarate in Pharmaceutical Dosage by Reverse-Phase HPLC with Internal Standard Method

A rapid, specific, and accurate isocratic HPLC method was developed and validated for the assay of quetiapine fumarate in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The assay involved an isocratic-elution of quetiapine fumarate in Grace C18 column using mobile-phase composition of 0.1% ortho phosphoric acid with triethyl amine as modifier buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of 50 : 50 (v/v).The wavelength of detection is 294 nm. The method showed good linearity in the range of 2.0–50.2 × 10−3 g/Lt. The runtime of the method is 5 mins. The developed method was applied to directly and easily analyse of the pharmaceutical tablet preparations. The percentage recoveries were near 100% for given methods. The method was completely validated and proven to be rugged. The excipients did not interfere in the analysis. The results showed that this method can be used for rapid determination of quetiapine fumarate in pharmaceutical tablet with precision, accuracy, and specificity.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of common antipsychotics

The aim of this review is to provide information for interpreting outcome results from monitoring of antipsychotics in biological samples. A brief overview of the working mechanisms, pharmacological effects, drug interactions, and analytical methods of classical and atypical antipsychotics is given. Nineteen antipsychotics were selected based on their importance in the worldwide market as follows: amisulpride, aripiprazole, asenapine, bromperidol, clozapine, flupenthixol, haloperidol, iloperidone, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, perphenazine, pimozide, pipamperone, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, sulpiride, and zuclopenthixol. A straightforward relationship between administered dose, plasma or serum concentration, clinical outcome, or adverse effects is often lacking. Nowadays, focus lies on therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized therapy to find adequate treatment, to explain treatment failure or nonresponse, and to check patient compliance. However, extensive research in this field is still mandatory.

Atypical antipsychotics: trends in analysis and sample preparation of various biological samples

Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly popular and increasingly prescribed. In some countries, they can even be obtained over-the-counter, without a prescription, making their abuse quite easy. Although atypical antipsychotics are thought to be safer than typical antipsychotics, they still have severe side effects. Intoxications are not rare and some of them have a fatal outcome. Drug interactions involving atypical antipsychotics complicate patient management in clinical settings and the determination of the cause of death in fatalities. In view of the above, analytical strategies that can efficiently isolate atypical antipsychotics from a variety of biological samples and quantify them accurately, sensitively and reliably, are of utmost importance both for the clinical, as well as for the forensic toxicologist. In this review, we will present and discuss novel analytical strategies that have been developed from 2004 to the present day for the determination of atypical antipsychotics in various biological samples.

A novel electrochemical sensor for assaying of antipsychotic drug quetiapine

A novel electrochemical sensor based on poly(2-hydroxy-5-[(4-sulfophenyl)azo]benzoic acid) film modified glassy carbon electrode for fast and simple quantification of trace amount of quetiapine fumarate (QF) was developed. It exhibits excellent enhancement effects on the electrooxidation of QF facilitating preconcentration of drug molecules on the electrode surface. Based on its strong adsorptive activity, the concentration of QF in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids was determined directly by voltammetry with excellent sensitivity and high selectivity. The introduction of carboxylated and sulfonated functionalities in polymer film improves the uniform selectivity for positively charged target QF molecules. The calibration curve is linear in QF concentration range of 8.0 × 10(-8) to 7.5 × 10(-6)M with detection limit 1.9 × 10(-8) and sensitivity 8.96 × 10(5) μA M(-1). The presented sensor has long term stability and good reproducibility with benefits of fast response time, ease of preparation and regeneration of the surface that makes the proposed method useful in the determination of QF in real samples.

Novel strategies for sample preparation in forensic toxicology

This paper provides a review of novel strategies for sample preparation in forensic toxicology. The review initially outlines the principle of each technique, followed by sections addressing each class of abused drugs separately. The novel strategies currently reviewed focus on the preparation of various biological samples for the subsequent determination of opiates, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and cannabinoids. According to our experience, these analytes are the most frequently responsible for intoxications in Greece. The applications of techniques such as disposable pipette extraction, microextraction by packed sorbent, matrix solid-phase dispersion, solid-phase microextraction, polymer monolith microextraction, stir bar sorptive extraction and others, which are rapidly gaining acceptance in the field of toxicology, are currently reviewed.

Development and validation of a stability indicating RP-UPLC method for determination of quetiapine in pharmaceutical dosage form

The present work reports a stability indicating reversed phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) method for the quantitative determination of quetiapine in pharmaceutical dosage form. The chromatographic separation is performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18, RRHD 1.8 μm (50 mm x 2.1 mm) column using gradient elution. The optimized mobile phase consists of 0.1 % aqueous triethylamine (pH 7.2) as a solvent-A and 80:20 v/v mixture of acetonitrile and methanol as solvent-B. The eluted compounds are monitored at 252 nm wavelength using a UV detector. The developed method separates quetiapine from its five impurities/degradation products within a run time of 5 min. Stability indicating capability of the developed method is established by analyzing forced degradation samples in which the spectral purity of quetiapine is ascertained along with the separation of degradation products from analyte peak. The developed RP-UPLC method is validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines with respect to system suitability, specificity, precision, accuracy, linearity, robustness and filter compatibility.