Using ofloxacin as a time marker in hair analysis for monitoring the dosage history of haloperidol

Hair samples were obtained 1-5 months after ingestion of the antimicrobial ofloxacin, which had been given for 1 or 3 days at the commencement of haloperidol administration, or when its dosage was reduced. The axial distribution of ofloxacin, haloperidol and its active metabolite, reduced haloperidol, was analysed in segments from single strands of hair. Ofloxacin was detected where the content of haloperidol and reduced haloperidol along the hair shaft showed a sharp change, corresponding to the change in dose. When we matched the time scale of the dosage history to the growth rate, which was estimated using ofloxacin as the time marker, the distribution of the haloperidol and reduced haloperidol precisely coincided with the rise and fall in the dose of haloperidol. These findings demonstrate that ofloxacin can serve as a time marker when drug distribution along the hair shaft is used to obtain the drug exposure history of an individual.