Objectives
To validate a new method for stabilization and quantitation of the clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM), clopidogrel, and inactive clopidogrel carboxylic acid and 2-oxo-clopiodgrel.
Animals
Feline plasma was used for assay validation. A pilot pharmacokinetic study was conducted with 2 healthy cats.
Methods
CAM stabilization was achieved by adding 2-bromo-3′methoxyacetophenone to blood tubes to form a derivatized CAM (CAM-D). CAM-D was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of the methodology included evaluation of calibration curve linearity, accuracy and precision, and stability using quality control samples spiked with CAM-D, clopidogrel, clopidogrel carboxylic acid, and 2-oxo-clopidogrel. In vivo utility of this assay was evaluated by conducting a pharmacokinetic study in cats receiving a single oral dose of 18.75mg clopidogrel.
Results
The 2-oxo-clopidogrel metabolite was unstable. CAM-D, clopidogrel, and clopidogrel carboxylic acid appear stable for 1 week at room temperature and 9 months at −80°C. Standard curves showed linearity for CAM- D, clopidogrel, and clopidogrel carboxylic acid (r>0.99). Between assay accuracy and precision was ≤2.6% and ≤2.8% for CAM-D and ≤17.9% and ≤11.3% for clopidogrel and clopidogrel carboxylic acid. Within assay precision for all three compounds was ≤7%. All three compounds were detected in plasma from healthy cats receiving clopidogrel.
Conclusions
This methodology is accurate and precise for simultaneous quantitation of CAM-D, clopidogrel, and clopidogrel carboxylic acid in feline plasma but unsuitable for 2-oxo-clopidogrel. Validation of this assay is the first step to more fully understanding the use of clopidogrel in cats in both a population and individual setting.