LC-MS/MS determination of trazodone in human plasma and its pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese

Aims This study aimed to establish a robust LC-MS/MS method for quantifying trazodone in human plasma and investigate its pharmacokinetic profile in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions.Materials & methods A validated LC-MS/MS method using protein precipitation was applied to analyze trazodone in 68 healthy subjects (34 fasting/34 fed), with full method validation performed.Results This method exhibited high selectivity, precision, and accuracy. The results showed good linearity in the range of 5–3000 ng/mL and matrix effect results showed no matrix interference. The pharmacokinetic data revealed notable differences between the fasting and postprandial states.Conclusions The validated LC-MS/MS method proved reliable for trazodone quantification. The observed food effects on absorption suggest clinical dosing should consider administration conditions to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.