The Use of Reverse-phase HPLC for the Analysis of Illicit Ya-Ma

Abstract

This study describes the use of HPLC on μ-Bondapak C18 for the analysis of illicit Ya-Ma. The techniques used are paired ion and derivatization methods. The reliability of the two methods are approximately in the same range. The coefficient of variations between assays are 6.3 - 10.0% and 4.7-4.9% respectively. The accuracy are in the range of 100.0 - 102.5% and 81.6 - 96.3% respectively. Locally prepared paired ion was proved to be as effectively as commercially supplied reagent. In the analysis of illicit Ya-Ma it was found that major substances in the tablets were caffeine, ephedrine, aminophylline, amphetamine and methamphetamine.