The detection of ephedrine in human urine by thin layer chromatography

To ten healthy adults, 50 mg. of ephedrine tablet was administered by oral route. In the urine specimens collected 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 24 hours later, qualitative analysis by TLC and quantitative determinations by the gravimetric method were carried out. The results are as follows. The most convenient material in doping analysis for ephedrine is urine. Ephedrine can still be isolated 24 hours after its administration. The excretion of ephedrine begins within half an hour after the administration of the drug, attains a maximum level at the 3rd to 4th hours, most of it is excreted by the 24th hour. Ephedrine is mostly excreted from the organism without manifesting any metabolic alteration. TLC is an adequate method of analysis. A small dose of 50 mg. does not affect respiratory functions