Trace Level Quantification of 4-Methyl-1-nitrosopiperazin in Rifampicin Capsules by LC-MS/MS

Rifampicin is a first-line anti-tuberculosis drug. However, in August 2020, the presence of 1-methyl-4-nitrosopiperazine (MNP), a nitrosamine impurity, was detected by the United Stated Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in rifampicin capsules. Consequently, the development of efficient methods for the detection of MNP is an important objective. In this study, the MNP present in rifampicin capsules was detected using LC-MS/MS. A total of 27 batches from nine manufacturers in the Chinese market were tested, with MNP (0.33–2.36 ppm) being detected in all samples at levels exceeding the maximum acceptable intake limit of 0.16 ppm initially set by the FDA. However, after considering the associated benefits and risks, the FDA-approved limit was revised to 5 ppm; hence, all the samples examined herein exhibited MNP levels well below the required limit. Furthermore, the results of forced degradation experiments suggest that MNP is formed by the thermal degradation of rifampicin.