Quantification of ceftaroline in human plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: Application to pharmacokinetic studies

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop a rapid, simple and reproducible method for the quantification of ceftaroline in plasma samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV). Sample processing consisted of methanol precipitation and then, after centrifugation, the supernatant was injected into the HPLC system, working in isocratic mode. Ceftaroline was detected at 238 nm at a short acquisition time (less than 5 min). The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range from 0.25 to 40 μg/mL, and the method appeared to be selective, precise and accurate. Ceftaroline in plasma samples was stable at −80 °C for at least 3months. The method was successfully applied to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of ceftaroline in two critically ill patients and to evaluate whether the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target was reached or not with the dose regimen administered.