Rapid identification of potential nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug overdose–induced liver toxicity and prediction of follow‐up exposure: Integrating bioanalytical and population pharmacokinetic assay

Abstract Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently used drugs that can cause liver toxicity. The aim of this study was to integrate bioanalytical and population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) assay to rapidly screen and quantify the concentrations of NSAIDs in plasma and monitor clinical safety. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of acetaminophen (APAP), flurbiprofen (FLB), aspirin (ASP), and ibuprofen (IBP), four commonly used NSAIDs. The PopPK model of the signature toxicant was analyzed based on the published literature. The LC–MS/MS method was successfully validated and applied to determine NSAID concentrations in patient plasma samples. APAP, ASP, and IBP data were best fitted using a one‐compartment model, and FLB data were best fitted using a two‐compartment model. Bootstrapping and visual predictive checks suggested that a robust and reliable pharmacokinetic model was developed. A fast, simple, and sensitive LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for determining APAP, FLB, ASP, and IBP in human plasma. Combined with the PopPK model, this method was applied to rapidly analyze the concentrations of NSAIDs in clinical samples from patients presenting to the emergency department with acute liver dysfunction and monitored NSAIDs clinical safety.