Chiral Serum Pharmacokinetics of 4-Fluoroamphetamine after Controlled Oral Administration

Abstract Over the last two decades, misuse of 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) became an emerging issue in many European countries. Stimulating effects last for 4–6 hours and can impact psychomotor performance. The metabolism of amphetamine-type stimulants is stereoselective and quantification of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers has been suggested for assessing time of use. To date, no data on enantioselective pharmacokinetics is available for 4-FA in serum samples. An enantioselective liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) method was developed using a chiral Phenomenex® Lux 3 μm AMP column. Validation of the method showed satisfactory selectivity, sensitivity, linearity (0.5–250 ng/mL…