Fast black K salt: a visualization reagent for thin-layer chromatography of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs.

A sensitive visual method for the thin-layer chromatography of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs is described. The Rf values and the detection limits of eleven beta-blockers extracted from urine and as pure drugs are given. Other commonly used cardiovascular drugs are shown not to interfere with the method. The procedure is applicable to both urine and liver extracts.