Prominent experts explain the pharmacology and metabolism of benzodiazepines (LDB) and g-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and offer powerful and effective methodologies that will enable better detection of these drugs in various body fluids, as well as in hair. The techniques include highly sensitive immunoassay detection of LDBs, the detection of Rohypnol® and other LDBs by mass spectrometry, and the ultrasensitive detection of GHB. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Benzodiazepines and GHB: Detection and Pharmacology offers toxicologists, forensic scientists, and clinical chemists today's most effective methods for detecting these widely abused drugs that are sometimes found associated with criminal acts.

Chapter 1
Pharmacology of Flunitrazepam and Other Benzodiazepines
Rudolf Brenneisen and Lionel P. Raymon

Introduction
Chemistry
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption, Distribution, and Plasma Levels
Half-Life vs Duration of Action
Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacodynamics
Sites of Action
Acute Effect
Chronic Administration and Abuse Liability
Pharmacokinetics vs Pharmacodynamics
Rohypnol®: The Debate. References

Chapter 2

Immunoassay Detection of Benzodiazepines
Tamara N. St. Claire and Salvatore J. Salamone

Introduction
Optimal Enzyme Activity
Conditions
Activity
Cutoff
Immunoassays
Methods
Manual b-Glucuronidase Treatment
Automated b-Glucuronidase Treatment.5.2.1
Online with the Hitachi 7175.2.2
Online with the COBAS INTEGRA 7005.2.3
A General Scheme
Conclusion
References

Chapter 3

Analysis of Flunitrazepam and Its Metabolites in Biological Specimens
Mahmoud A. ElSohly and Shixia Feng

Introduction
Methods of Analysis
Screening Methods
HPLC Analysis
Internal Standards
Extraction
HPLC Conditions
Detection
GC/MS Methods
Conclusion
References

Chapter 4

Analysis of Selected Low-Dose Benzodiazepines by Mass Spectrometry
Dennis J. Crouch and Matthew H. Slawson

Introduction
Alprazolam
Background

Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance

Method 2
Extraction
HPLC/MS/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Midazolam
Background

Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance

Method 2
Extraction
HPLC/MS Conditions
Method Performance

Method 3
Extraction
HPLC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
AdditionalTechniques
Lorazepam
Background
Method. Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
Additional Techniques
Triazolam
Background

Method 1
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance

Method 2
Extraction
GC/MS Conditions
Method Performance
References

Chapter 5

Identification of Benzodiazepines in Human Hair: A Review
Vincent Cirimele and Pascal Kintz

Introduction
Biology of Hair
Hair Growth
Types of Hair
Mechanisms of Drug Incorporation into Hair
Effects of Cosmetic Treatments
Specimen Collection
Decontamination Procedures
Extraction
Detection
Detection of Flunitrazepam and 7-Amino-Flunitrazepam
Conclusions
References

Chapter 6

g-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Its Analogs, g-Butyrolactone and 1,4-Butanediol
Laureen J. Marinetti

History and Pharmacology of GHB
History of Illicit Use of GHB
Clinical Use of GHB in Humans
History of Illicit Use of GBL and 1,4BD
Metabolism of GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
Distribution and Pharmacokinetics of GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
GHB Interpretation Issues and Postmortem Production
Analysis for GHB, GBL, and 1,4BD
References

Chapter 7

Analysis of Urine Samples in Cases of Alleged Sexual Assault: Case History
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Luen F. Lee, Lynn B. Holzhauer, and Salvatore J. Salamone

Introduction
References
Index