Determination of omeprazole and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Omeprazole is a benzimidazole compound that acts as a proton-pump inhibitor. Because the metabolism of omeprazole is mainly catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP2C19, the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 could be of clinical concern in the treatment of acid-related diseases with omeprazole. Therefore, a reliable method for omeprazole phenotyping is desirable in clinical situations. This study has demonstrated the determination of omeprazole and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography–three-dimensional quadrupole mass spectrometry with a sonic spray ionization interface. The analytical column was YMC-Pack Pro C18(50×2.0 mm I.D.) using acetonitrile–50 mM ammonium acetate (pH 7.25) (1:4) at a flow-rate of 0.2 ml/min. The drift voltage was 30 V. The sampling aperture was heated at 110 °C and Shield temperature was 230 °C. In the mass spectrum, the molecular ions of omeprazole, hydroxyomeprazole and omeprazole sulfone were clearly observed as base peaks. This method is sufficiently sensitive and accurate for pharmacokinetic studies of omeprazol.