Detection of quinine and its metabolites in horse urine by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract

After oral administration of quinine sulfate to a thoroughbred mare, seven urine samples were obtained over a 45.5 h period. Using gas chromatography–electron impact ionization and positive-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry, quinine and five putative metabolites were detected and tentatively identified in enzyme-hydrolysed post-administration urine; all metabolites involved some form of oxidation. The parent drug could be detected for about 16 h and some phase I biotransformation products for up to 40 h post-administration.