SUMMARY
The cases of acute and lethal poisonings by atomoxetine, an antidepressant, have been registered. Therefore, development of the available and reliable methods for its chemical and toxicological analysis is the topical issue.Aim. To develop the conditions for atomoxetine detection in the presence of a number of its pharmacological and structural analogs when performing the general TLC-screening and identification of the antidepressant by UV spectrophotometry.Materials and methods. Chromatographic mobility of antidepressants in thin sorbent layers was studied in 11 mobile phases, including those recommended by TIAFT, using five types of chromatographic plates. A number of chromogenic reagents was used for visualization. The UV-spectrum of atomoxetine was studied in 0.1 Mol • L-1 solution of hydrochloric acid.Results and discussion. Chromatographic systems with the low correlation of Rf values for atomoxetine that make them suitable for the general TLC-screening have been found. The UV spectrum of atomoxetine in the acid solution had light absorption maxima at wavelengths of 270 (e = 1300; A11 = 45) and 277 nm.Conclusions. A combined use of three mobile phases: methanol – 25 % ammonia solution (100 : 1.5), cyclohexane – toluene – diethylamine (75 : 15 : 10), and toluene – acetone – 25 % ammonia solution (45 : 45 : 7.5 : 2.5) provides a reliable atomoxetine detection in the presence of a number of its pharmacological and structural analogs when performing the general TLC-screening. The presence of specific light absorption in the UV region of the spectrum for atomoxetine makes the UV spectrophotometry method suitable for identification of the antidepressant in toxicological studies.metry method suitable for identification of the antidepressant in toxicological studies.