The assay methods used to determine the concentrations of the newer benzodiazepines include electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, radioassay and radioreceptor assay. The method used frequently is the highly sensitive and specific electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography. Other methods are associated with limitations. The triazolo- and imidazolebenzodiazepines differ structurally from the 'classical' benzodiazepines such as diazepam, and offer distinct differences in pharmacological activity and in time-course of effect. Alprazolam and triazolam, both 1,4-triazolobenzodiazepines, have high affinities for the benzodiazepine receptor as do midazolam and loprazolam, which are 1,4-imidazolebenzodiazepines. Absorption is characteristically rapid, with peak alprazolam and triazolam concentrations occurring within 1 hour after oral administration. Sublingual administration results in peak alprazolam and triazolam concentrations that are higher and occur earlier than with the oral route. The volume of distribution of alprazolam and triazolam is approximately 1L. Alprazolam is 70% bound to plasma proteins and the extent of binding is independent of concentration. Similarly, triazolam is approximately 85% bound to plasma proteins, variability in binding being explained by variations in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentration. The 1,4-triazolo ring prevents the oxidative metabolism of the classical benzodiazepines which results in formation of active metabolites with long elimination half-lives. Alprazolam is extensively metabolised: 29 metabolites have been identified in the urine, and its major metabolite, alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, has pharmacological activity. alpha-Hydroxyalprazolam and 4-hydroxyalprazolam are detectable in plasma in amounts which account for less than 10% of the administered dose. Mean alprazolam elimination half-life in healthy adult subjects ranges from 9.5 to 12 hours; liver disease prolongs alprazolam elimination, but renal insufficiency does not. Triazolam also undergoes oxidation and subsequent glucuronidation. alpha-Hydroxytriazolam is the major metabolite, in addition to which 4-hydroxyalprazolam and alpha-4-hydroxytriazolam have been identified in plasma and urine. The elimination half-life of triazolam ranges between 1.8 and 5.9 hours, while that of the conjugated metabolites is short, approximately 3.8 hours. Accumulation of triazolam or its metabolites after multiple doses does not occur. Liver disease prolongs triazolam elimination from the body, but renal disease does not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)