Bioanalysis of small-molecule drugs in nasal and paranasal tissues and secretions: Current status and perspectives

Abstract

Over the last years, interest in intranasal administration as an alternative and promising route for the delivery of drugs with local, systemic, and even central nervous system action has tremendously increased. Accordingly, understanding of the properties and characteristics of the nasal cavity as well as the biodisposition processes of drugs into the nasal compartments is acquiring a significant prominence in the field of pharmacology. In this context, the development and validation of bioanalytical methodologies for the quantitative measurement of drugs and their metabolites in nasal and paranasal tissues and/or secretions is of the utmost importance. However, currently, information concerning bioanalysis of drugs in nasal and paranasal tissues and/or secretions is scattered. This review aims to provide a valuable overview of the methodologies that have been used for the collection and preparation of nasal and paranasal samples with special emphasis placed on the review of liquid chromatographic methods employed for the quantitative determination of small-molecule drugs and their metabolites in such specimens. © Versita Sp. z o.o.