Ultra-performance LC-MS/MS study of the pharmacokinetic interaction of imatinib with selected vitamin preparations in rats

Aim: The growing interest of cancerous patients in using Vitamins, while on imatinib (IMA) therapy, increased the risk of their pharmacokinetic interactions.

Methodology: Ultra-performance LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of IMA following oral administration of selected vitamin preparations (vitamin A, E, D3 and C) in rat plasma using a hybrid sample preparation technique of protein precipitation followed by SPE.

Results: The method showed good linear response for IMA over the concentration range 1-500 ng/ml. Co-administered vitamin preparations could affect IMA pharmacokinetic profiling through either an increase (vitamin A and E) or a decrease (vitamin C) in IMA bioavailability. Vitamin D3 produced no significant effect on IMA bioavailability.

Conclusion: Particular concern should be paid when vitamin preparations are administered with IMA.