[Analysis of blood concentrations following oral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate for gut GVHD].

In this study, we investigated the level of gut absorption following oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) administration by measuring the blood concentration of its metabolites measured by LC-MS/MS using the HPLC method. Five patients who were administered BDP orally for gut GVHD were included. The blood concentrations of beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (17BMP), which is one of the active metabolites of BDP, were 618 approximately 1, 749 pg/mL in 4 of the studied 5 patients, which was comparable to that after inhalation of BDP; however, it was relatively higher in one patient (2,439+/-161 pg/mL). As the blood concentration of 17BMP in this study patient was higher compared with healthy volunteers administered a single oral BDP 4 mg, GVHD patients might have a higher concentration than healthy volunteers. Given that a higher grade of gut GVHD was associated with a higher blood level of 17BMP, BDP absorption might be associated with gut mucosal injury. Thus, the systemic adverse effect following oral BDP administration might not be negligible especially in gut GVHD patients.

Development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of six glucocorticoids and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in nude mice.

In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS analytical method for simultaneous determination of six glucocorticoids including 21-hydroxy deflazacort (21-OH DFZ), prednisolone (PNL), betamethasone (BET), beclomethasone (BEC), triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), budesonide (BUD) in nude mice plasma was developed and validated. Using testosterone as internal standard, the plasma samples were prepared by precipitation with acetonitrile and separated using an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.1 % (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Quantitation was performed on a triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring in positive electrospray ionization mode. Calibration curves were developed over the range of 1-400 ng/mL for TCA, 5-2000 ng/mL for 21-OH DFZ, BET, BEC as well as BUD, and 10-2000 ng/mL for PNL. The accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery and stability were validated to be within acceptable criteria. The method was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) study of the six GCs on female nude mice after a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg. The PK profiles of all the six GCs were described by two-compartment model with first-order absorption rate.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of a novel extrafine BDP/FF/GB combination delivered via metered-dose inhaler in healthy Chinese subjects.

BACKGROUND: BDP/FF/GB pMDI is a novel triple fixed-dose combination of extra-fine inhalation aerosol beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP)/formoterol fumarate (FF)/glycopyrronium bromide (GB). Limited data on the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of BDP/FF/GB fixed-dose combination in healthy subjects was available. PURPOSES: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of BDP/FF/GB pMDI in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS: This is an open-label, parallel-group, randomized, single and multiple dose study. In the single dose group, subjects received single supra-therapeutic inhaled dose of BDP/FF/GB pMDI (BDP/FF/GB 400/24/50 µg). In the multiple dose group, subjects received therapeutic inhaled dose of BDP/FF/GB pMDI (BDP/FF/GB 200/12/25 µg), twice daily, for 7 consecutive days. Plasma BDP, B17MP, formoterol and GB were determined by a validated ultra performance liquid chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (UPLC/MS-MS). Heart rate (HR), QTcF, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were evaluated as the surrogate indicators of pharmacodynamic effects. RESULTS: A total of 24 subjects were randomized and 22 (11 in each group) completed the study. The dose adjusted pharmacokinetic profiles of BDP, beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP, the most active metabolite of BDP), formoterol and GB were overall similar in therapeutic and supra- therapeutic dose group, showing dose proportional increase of the systemic exposure to BDP, B17MP, formoterol and GB. The pharmacodynamic variables were within the normal range and showed no significant difference between the two groups. All the treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild and no severe TEAE was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Dose adjusted PK profiles were similar between therapeutic and supra-therapeutic dose for all compounds, nearly dose proportional systemic exposure to B17MP, formoterol and GB after BDP/FF/GB pMDI administration in healthy Chinese subjects. BDP/FF/GB pMDI was safe and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. The PK profiles were comparable to previously published data from Western European healthy Caucasian subjects.

Internal exposure dynamics drive the Adverse Outcome Pathways of synthetic glucocorticoids in fish.

The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework represents a valuable conceptual tool to systematically integrate existing toxicological knowledge from a mechanistic perspective to facilitate predictions of chemical-induced effects across species. However, its application for decision-making requires the transition from qualitative to quantitative AOP (qAOP). Here we used a fish model and the synthetic glucocorticoid beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) to investigate the role of chemical-specific properties, pharmacokinetics, and internal exposure dynamics in the development of qAOPs. We generated a qAOP network based on drug plasma concentrations and focused on immunodepression, skin androgenisation, disruption of gluconeogenesis and reproductive performance. We showed that internal exposure dynamics and chemical-specific properties influence the development of qAOPs and their predictive power. Comparing the effects of two different glucocorticoids, we highlight how relatively similar in vitro hazard-based indicators can lead to different in vivo risk. This discrepancy can be predicted by their different uptake potential, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles. We recommend that the development phase of qAOPs should include the application of species-specific uptake and physiologically-based PK/PD models. This integration will significantly enhance the predictive power, enabling a more accurate assessment of the risk and the reliable transferability of qAOPs across chemicals.

Comparison of the bioavailability and systemic effects of beclometasone dipropionate suspension for nebulization and beclometasone dipropionate via a metered-dose inhaler after single-dose administration in healthy male volunteers.

Pharmacokinetic properties of a drug, and selection and correct usage of an appropriate delivery device, are factors that can affect the outcome of inhaled therapyThe use of nebulization can overcome problems that are associated with other delivery systems used for inhalation therapyThe objective of this open, randomized, single-dose study was to compare the systemic exposure and safety of beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) suspension for nebulization with BDP via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in healthy subjects. Following a run-in period to assess basal 24-h serum cortisol levels and cortisol urinary excretion, 12 healthy males were administered BDP 1,600 microg given via MDI and were then randomized to receive a single dose of either 1,600 microg (n = 6) or 3,200 microg BDP (n = 6) suspension for nebulization given via a nebulizer Results with respect to systemic exposure to beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP) (the active metabolite of BDP) and systemic effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were determined by evaluation of a number of pharmacokinetic parameters for plasma B17MP and serum and urinary cortisol, respectively. A statistically significantly greater peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of B17MP was reported with BDP via MDI (1,587 pg ml(-1)) compared with BDP 1,600 microg (455 pg ml(-1)) and BDP 3,200 microg suspensions for nebulization (758 pg ml(-1)), and was achieved more rapidly (Tmax) (1.3 h, 3 h, and 2.5 h, respectively). In addition, elimination half-life (t 1/2(el)) was statistically significantly shorter with BDP via MDI (4.6 h) than with both dosages of BDP suspensions for nebulization (7.4 h and 6.3 h with 1600 microg and 3,200 microg, respectively), as was mean residence time (MRT) (5.4 h, 11.1 h, and 10.0 h, respectively). Total systemic exposure to B17MP (as determined by the area under the concentration-time curve: AUCinfinity) was comparable for BDP via MDI (6,883 pg ml(-1) h(-1)) and BDP 3,200 microg suspension for nebulization (8,201 pg ml(-1) h(-1)), but significantly greater than with BDP 1,600 microg suspension for nebulization (4,870 pg ml(-1); P < 0.05 vs BDP via MDI). All treatments were well tolerated, and no significant differences were found between them with respect to the serum or urinary cortisol pharmacokinetic parameters assessed. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that BDP suspension for nebulization 3,200 microg given via a nebulizer and BDP 1,600 microg given via an MDI are equivalent in terms of systemic exposure to B17MP and systemic effects on the HPA axis, with BDP suspension for nebulization having a potentially more prolonged activity. It confirms that use of a double dose of BDP suspension for nebulization administered by nebulizer compared with BDP given via metered-dose inhalation is justified and poses no risk with regard to safety.

Simultaneous quantification of beclomethasone dipropionate and its metabolite, beclomethasone 17-monopropionate in rat and human plasma and different rat tissues by liquid chromatography-positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A sensitive, rapid and selective liquid chromatography-positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-(ESI+)-MS-MS) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and its active metabolite, beclomethasone 17-monopropionate (17-BMP) in rat plasma and different tissues using fluticasone propionate (FP) as the internal standard. The method was validated over a linear range from 0.05 to 5 ng/ml for both analytes. A solid-phase extraction procedure was used for plasma samples and a liquid-liquid extraction procedure for tissues samples (lung, liver and kidney). The between-day and within-day coefficients of variation for all compounds were

Comparative kinetics of metabolism of beclomethasone propionate esters in human lung homogenates and plasma.

The systemic availability of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is the net result of the absorption of the glucocorticoid from the lower respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and metabolism in the lung, plasma, and other sites. The metabolism kinetics of BDP and its active metabolite, beclomethasone 17-monopropionate (17-BMP), in human lung 1000 x g supernatant (HLu) and human plasma (HP) at 37 degrees C were compared. The effect of MgCl(2) and/or an NADPH-generating system on the decomposition of BDP and 17-BMP in HLu was also investigated. The concentrations of BDP and its metabolites were determined by HPLC with UV detection at 242 nm. Kinetics of decomposition of BDP and 17-BMP in HLu and HP were qualitatively and quantitatively different. The decomposition of BDP in HLu involved only hydrolysis. In comparison, three reactions are involved following incubation of BDP in HP; namely, hydrolysis, transesterification, and loss of hydrogen chloride. The hydrolysis of BDP and 17-BMP in HLu seem to be inhibited appreciably by MgCl(2) with the NADPH-generating system. Effective activation of BDP in HLu, in combination with transesterification of 17-BMP in HP, might favor a high ratio of local antiinflammatory activity to systemic side effects following inhalation of BDP.

A new small particle packing for faster analysis with high resolution.

The need for fast and efficient separations of complex samples such as pharmaceuticals and biologicals led to the development of fast, efficient, and reproducible 3.5 microns columns. Separations using 3.5 microns column are 30-50% faster at equal plate-count compared to 5 microns columns. The results show that the 3.5 microns columns (100 mm length) give the same efficiency and resolution of drug impurities as the 5 microns columns (150 mm length). For many analytical methods, switching to 3.5 microns columns saves time and reduces costs. Separation methodologies using 5 microns columns are easily modified to accommodate 3.5 microns columns of the same chemistry because efficiency, resolution and sensitivity remain the same. It is shown that 3.5 microns columns have lifetimes comparable to 5 microns columns of the same brand.

Influence of low-dose ritonavir with and without darunavir on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled beclomethasone.

OBJECTIVE: To identify an alternative inhaled corticosteroid to fluticasone propionate that can be safely coadministered with HIV protease inhibitors, the safety and pharmacokinetics of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and its active metabolite, beclomethasone 17-monopropionate (17-BMP), in combination with ritonavir (RTV) and darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) were assessed. DESIGN: Open-label, prospective, randomized pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers received inhaled 160 µg bid BDP for 14 days and were then randomized (1:1:1) into 3 groups: group 1 (control) remained on BDP alone for 28 days, group 2 received 100 mg bid BDP + RTV for 28 days, and group 3 received 600/100 mg bid BDP + DRV/r for 28 days. Pharmacokinetic sampling for 17-BMP was performed on days 14 and 28, and pharmacokinetic parameter values were compared within patients and between groups. Cortisol stimulation testing was also performed on days 1, 14, 28, and 42 and compared within and between groups. RESULTS: Geometric mean ratios (day 28:day 14) (90% confidence interval) for 17-BMP area under the concentration-time curve in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, were 0.93 (0.81 to 1.06, P = 0.27), 2.08 (1.52 to 2.65, P = 0.006), and 0.89 (0.68 to 1.09, P = 0.61). There were no significant reductions in serum cortisol levels within or between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DRV/r did not increase 17-BMP exposure, whereas RTV alone produced a statistically significant but clinically inconsequential 2-fold increase in 17-BMP exposure. Adrenal suppression was not observed in any of the study groups. These data suggest that BDP can be safely coadministered with DRV/r and likely other RTV-boosted protease inhibitors.

Influence of oral beclomethasone dipropionate on early non-infectious pulmonary outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: results from two randomized trials.

Early non-infectious pulmonary complications represent a significant cause of mortality after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We tested the hypothesis that oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is effective for preventing early non-infectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic HCT. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 120 patients, 60 in each treatment arm, to identify non-infectious and infectious pulmonary events and pulmonary function test results from all patients who participated in two randomized trials of oral BDP for treatment of acute gastrointestinal GVHD. 17-Beclomethasone monopropionate (17-BMP), the active metabolite of BDP, was evaluated in blood from the right atrium in four patients. Thirty-three of 42 (79%) placebo-treated patients experienced a decrease of the DL(CO) from pretransplant to day 80 after transplant, compared with 27 of 49 (55%) BDP-treated patients (P=0.02). In the first 200 days after randomization, there were no cases of non-infectious pulmonary complications in BDP-treated patients, vs four cases among placebo-treated patients (P=0.04). Levels of 17-BMP were detected in atrial blood at steady state. Delivery of a potent glucocorticoid such as 17-BMP to the pulmonary artery after oral dosing of BDP may be useful in modulating pulmonary inflammation and preventing the development of non-infectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic HCT.

Systemic exposure and implications for lung deposition with an extra-fine hydrofluoroalkane beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fixed combination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Foster is a fixed combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol (BDP/F). It is formulated as an extra-fine solution and delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) using a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant. The aims of this study were to compare the systemic exposure to BDP, to its active metabolite beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP) and to formoterol after administration of BDP/F versus separate administration of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) formulation of BDP and formoterol HFA, and to explore a possible relationship between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic findings. METHODS: In this open-label, crossover, placebo-controlled study, 12 healthy male subjects received a single dose of BDP/F 400 microg/24 microg (four inhalations of Foster BDP/F 100 microg/6 microg), single doses of BDP CFC 1000 microg (four inhalations of Becotide Forte 250 microg) plus formoterol 24 microg (four inhalations of Atimos 6 microg) via separate MDIs, or placebo. Continuous pharmacokinetic variables for BDP, B17MP, formoterol, cortisol and potassium were evaluated. Cardiovascular effects, peak flow measurements and tolerability were also examined. RESULTS: Exposure to BDP was not significantly different between active treatment arms, but lower systemic exposure to B17MP was observed with the fixed combination than with the separate components (area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC] from time zero to infinity [AUC(infinity)] 5280 vs 8120 pg.h/mL; p = 0.001). Despite a lower total systemic exposure to B17MP with the fixed combination, B17MP plasma concentrations during the first 30 minutes after administration, indicative of pulmonary absorption, were 86% higher with BDP/F than with the separate components (AUC from 0 to 30 minutes [AUC(30 min)] 353 vs 190 pg x h/mL; p = 0.003). Twenty-four-hour serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher with BDP/F than with BDP and formoterol administered separately (2.26 vs 1.90 microg x h/mL; p < 0.01). No significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of formoterol and no clinically relevant differences in serum potassium and cardiovascular or spirometric parameters were observed between the treatments. Both active treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: These pharmacokinetic data show that with a BDP dose from Foster that is 2.5 times less than a BDP dose from Becotide Forte, pulmonary absorption is 86% higher; however, systemic exposure is 35% lower, resulting in less cortisol suppression for a similar BDP dosage.

Pharmacokinetics of inhaled monodisperse beclomethasone as a function of particle size.

AIMS: For optimal efficacy, antiasthma drugs should be delivered to the desired region in the airways. To date, the optimal particle size for steroids in adults is not known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pulmonary bioavailability for inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aerosols of different particle sizes. METHODS: In a randomized single-blind crossover trial, 10 mild asthmatic patients inhaled monodisperse BDP aerosols with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) of 1.5, 2.5 and 4.5 microm. Gastrointestinal absorption was blocked by activated charcoal. Plasma concentrations of 17-beclomethasone monopropionate (17-BMP) were measured by liquid chromatography plus mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Aerosols with MMADs of 1.5 microm, 2.5 microm, and 4.5 microm gave mean maximum concentrations (C(max)) of 17-BMP of 475 pg ml(-1), 1300 pg ml(-1), and 1161 pg ml(-1), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values of 17-BMP for MMADs of 1.5 microm, 2.5 microm, and 4.5 microm were 825 pg ml(-1) h, 2629 pg ml(-1) h, and 2276 pg ml(-1) h, respectively. The mean terminal half-time of 17-BMP for all three aerosol sizes was around 1.5 h. CONCLUSIONS: Monodisperse BDP aerosols with a MMAD of 1.5 microm gave two-three fold lower values for C(max) and AUC than those with MMADs of 2.5 and 4.5 microm.

Decomposition of beclomethasone propionate esters in human plasma.

The kinetics of decomposition of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), the 17-monopropionate ester (17-BMP), and beclomethasone (BOH) were characterized in whole human plasma (HP), pH 7.1, and in solutions of 1% human serum albumin (HSA), pH 7.4, and 0.067 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 (mu = 0.17). A reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay enabled simultaneous separation and quantification of beclomethasone propionate esters and six degradation products including three unidentified products, D1-D3, not previously reported. Following incubation of BDP, products were formed in the following sequence, D1, 17-BMP, beclomethasone-21-monopropionate (21-BMP), D3, BOH, and D2. Following incubation of 17-BMP, the same sequence of degradation products was formed with the exception of D1. Following incubation of BOH, only D2 was formed. The decomposition reactions of BDP, 17-BMP, and BOH in HP exhibit pseudo-first-order kinetics. However the degradation reactions of BDP in solutions of 1% HSA and phosphate buffer were found to follow pseudo-zero-order kinetics. At an initial concentration of 40 micrograms mL-1, the half-lives for BDP, 17-BMP, and BOH in HP were 10.9 +/- 0.4, 3.0 +/- 0.2 and 24.8 +/- 0.2 h, respectively.

Pharmacokinetic comparison of beclomethasone dipropionate extrafine aerosol from two inhaler devices in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to test the comparability of the pharmacokinetics of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) delivered from a pressurized extrafine solution formulation in two inhalation devices in children with asthma. One inhaler was actuated using the press and breathe (P&B) technique and the other was breath-actuated (AH); both inhalers used HFA-134a as propellant. METHODS: Eighteen children aged between 9 years and 12 years entered and completed the study; written informed consent was obtained from all patients and their legal guardians. Each patient received, according to a randomized three-period crossover design, 200 microg BDP as four inhalations from 50 microg/actuation P&B, 200 microg BDP as four inhalations from 50 microg/actuation AH, and 400 microg BDP as four inhalations from 100 microg/actuation AH. Each patient was instructed on the proper use of each device once, at the screening visit. Patients self-administered all inhalations at the same time of day during the study without further coaching. Blood samples were collected for 24 h during each period to assay for the presence of BDP and metabolites. The log-transformed pharmacokinetic data were compared using a confidence-interval approach. RESULTS: Almost all the BDP-derived material in the plasma was the active metabolite beclomethasone 17-monopropionate; pharmacokinetic analyses were only performed for this metabolite. The ratios each of the pharmacokinetic parameters maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), between the AH and P&B inhaler devices, were 0.94 and 1.1, respectively, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals demonstrated comparability of the devices. Dose proportionality of C(max) and AUC between the 200-microg and 400-microg doses was similarly shown. About twice as many inhalation errors occurred during the P&B administration as during the AH periods, but the incidence was still low and did not result in any change in pharmacokinetics. CONCLUSION: The rate and extent of drug absorption was comparable from the P&B and AH inhaler devices in children with asthma. Dose proportionality was also observed.

Degradation products of beclomethasone dipropionate in human plasma.

The anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid beclomethasone dipropionate was found previously to degrade in human plasma at 37 degrees C to yield beclomethasone 17-monopropionate, beclomethasone 21-monopropionate, and beclomethasone together with three unknown species, D-1, D-2, and D-3. In this paper, we report the isolation of D-2 and D-3 by preparative HPLC and the elucidation of their structures. Both products D-2 and D-3 exhibited UV bathochromic shifts relative to beclomethasone dipropionate of 9 nm. From the mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR data, it is concluded that D-2 and D-3 are formed from beclomethasone and beclomethasone 21-monopropionate, respectively, with the loss of hydrogen chloride and the formation of a 9,11-epoxide. Data for 1H-NMR methyl chemical shifts are used to show that the epoxide has the mechanistically more plausible 9beta,11beta configuration. Thus, D-2 is 9beta, 11beta-epoxy-16beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-17alpha,21- diol-3, 20-dione, and D-3 is its corresponding 21-propanoate. The various enzyme-catalyzed and nonenzyme-catalyzed reactions involved in the degradation of beclomethasone dipropionate in human plasma are discussed. A degradation scheme is proposed.

Pharmacokinetics of chlorofluorocarbon and hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler formulations of beclomethasone dipropionate.

AIMS: To compare the pharmacokinetic profile of Beclazone (beclomethasone dipropionate) in its chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based and CFC-free formulations. METHODS: Ten healthy adults received a single 1,000 microg nominal dose (ex-valve) of beclomethasone dipropionate from a CFC inhaler (BEC-CFC) or from a CFC-free inhaler containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-134a (BEC-HFA) in an open-label, randomized, two-way, crossover study. Blood samples were collected predose and over 12 h after inhalation. Comparisons were made of maximum plasma concentration of beclomethasone 17-monopropionate (17-BMP) (Cmax), and area under the plasma concentration vs time curve (AUC). RESULTS: The tmax was significantly (P<0.05) earlier with BEC-HFA and plasma levels were significantly higher following administration of BEC-HFA than BEC-CFC. Geometric mean values for AUC were 1.5 fold greater (90% CI 1.3-1.9) and for Cmax were 1.9 fold greater (90% CI 1.6-2.6) following BEC-HFA than BEC-CFC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data in healthy volunteers would not be consistent with the manufacturers' recommendation for a microgram equivalent (1:1) nominal dose switch between these HFA and CFC formulations. Further well designed trials are required in asthmatic patients to properly define their respective dose-response relationships for antiasthmatic and systemic adverse effects.

Simultaneous determination of beclomethasone, beclomethasone monopropionate and beclomethasone dipropionate in biological fluids using a particle beam interface for combining liquid chromatography with negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

A new simple and sensitive assay has been developed for the simultaneous quantitative measurement of beclomethasone dipropionate and its hydrolysis products in human plasma and urine. Beclomethasone 17.21-dipropionate, beclomethasone 17-monopropionate, beclomethasone and the internal standard, dexamethasone 21-acetate, were measured by combined liquid chromatography and negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry with methane as the reagent gas. A particle beam interface from Hewlett Packard was used. Under mild operating conditions, abundant and stable characteristic high-mass ions were generated in the ion source of the mass spectrometer by a resonance electron-capture mechanism. The fast extraction procedure requires 1 ml of plasma or urine, and the quantification limit of the method is 1 ng ml-1 for the three tested compounds.

Pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of beclomethasone from three strengths of a CFC-free beclomethasone dipropionate metered-dose inhaler.

As part of a development program to offer alternatives to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) containing metered-dose inhalers, beclomethasone dipropionate has been formulated in a CFC-free system at three strengths: 50, 100, and 200 micrograms/actuation ex valve. To measure serum levels and dose proportionality of the beclomethasone derived from beclomethasone dipropionate, 13 mild to moderate asthmatic patients received a single dose of eight inhalations from each strength according to a double-blind crossover design. Seven patients were studied over 4 h and six patients over 12 h. For the total doses of 400, 800, and 1600 micrograms studied over 12 h, Cmax and AUC increased in a ratio of 1:1.8:3.1. A good correlation was seen between the fine-particle mass delivered and the in vivo performance of the three strengths. From a clinical point of view, the predictable increases in serum levels with an increase in dose will permit the clinician to effectively titrate a patient with this product.

Pharmacokinetics of beclomethasone 17-monopropionate from a beclomethasone dipropionate extrafine aerosol in adults with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to test the dose and strength proportionalities of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) delivered from two strengths of a pressurized extrafine solution formulation. METHODS: Thirty adults with mild, stable asthma, aged between 18 years and 70 years, completed the study; written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Each patient received, according to a randomized four-period crossover design, 100 microg BDP as two inhalations from 50-microg/actuation strength, 100 microg BDP as one inhalation from 100-microg/actuation strength, 400 microg BDP as eight inhalations from the 50-microg/actuation strength, and 400 microg BDP as four inhalations from the 100-microg/actuation strength. Patients self-administered all inhalations at the same time of day during the study. Blood samples were collected for 12 h during each period to assay for the presence of BDP and metabolites. The log-transformed pharmacokinetic data were compared for proportionality equivalence using a confidence-interval approach. RESULTS: Almost all the BDP-derived material in the plasma was the active metabolite beclomethasone 17-monopropionate (17-BMP). Due to low levels, neither elimination half-life ( t(1/2)) nor the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) for 17-BMP could be calculated for the 100-microg BDP doses. Dose proportionality of the 100-microg and 400-microg BDP doses, using 17-BMP maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) was demonstrated for each strength. Strength proportionality of the 50-microg and 100-microg/actuation strengths was observed for C(max) at both dose levels and for AUC at the higher dose level. The t(1/2) of 17-BMP was found to be approximately 2.8 h. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated both the strength and dose proportionalities of the BDP extrafine aerosol. This important information will allow physicians maximum flexibility in prescribing this aerosol product.