Effects of loratadine (SCH 29851) in suppression of histamine-induced skin wheals.

The efficacy and safety of single oral doses (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg) of loratadine (SCH 29851) in suppressing formation of histamine-induced wheals were assessed in a crossover study in 29 healthy male subjects. One hour prior to dosing and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, and 48 hours after dosing, histamine and saline were injected intradermally into opposite arms. Measurements of resulting wheal areas showed loratadine suppressed wheal formation significantly better than placebo; suppression was dose related. The mean suppression over 48 hours was 16% in placebo-treated subjects and 35%, 45%, 51%, and 67% in the 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg loratadine-treated subjects, respectively. The onset of action occurred within the first hour. Duration of suppression was dose related, ranging from 12 hours with the lowest dose (10 mg) to 48 hours with the higher doses (40 and 80 mg). Incidence of sedation and other side effects were comparable among all doses of loratadine and placebo.

Comparative steady state bioavailability of conventional and controlled-release formulations of albuterol.

A new controlled-release (CR) dosage formulation of albuterol has been developed which is suitable for twice-a-day dosing. The present study was conducted in twelve healthy adult male volunteers to compare the steady state plasma levels obtained following repeated administration of a 4 mg CR tablet (q12h) compared to a 2 mg conventional table (q6h) for 5 consecutive days. The mean steady state plasma level-time curves for both the CR and conventional tablet treatments were comparable over time and reproducible. There were no significant differences in the AUC or Cmax values between the two treatments. The mean 48-h AUC values were 240.7 and 231.3 h X ng ml-1 for the conventional and CR tablets, respectively, while the corresponding Cmax values ranged from 5.3 to 6.8 ng ml-1 and 5.4 to 6.5 ng ml-1. There were no significant differences in Cmin values except for one 12-h (day 4) value. Cmin values ranged from 3.8 to 4.3 ng ml-1 and 3.0 to 4.8 ng ml-1 for the conventional and CR tablets, respectively. The data show that the 4 mg albuterol CR tablet (q12h) is bioequivalent to a 2 mg conventional albuterol tablet (q6h). The CR tablet formulation will offer the advantage of increased patient compliance; additionally, the CR formulation may prove to be especially beneficial in the treatment of nocturnal asthma.

Multiple-dose albuterol kinetics.

Albuterol, a beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator, was studied in 12 healthy male volunteers to evaluate the steady-state pharmacokinetics following oral administration of 4-mg tablets, given every six hours for five days. The kinetics of albuterol were best described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption kinetics. Steady-state plasma levels were predictable from the kinetic data and were reached by the third day of dosing (ninth and tenth dose). Small accumulation ratios of approximately two were seen based on area under the plasma concentration-time curve and maximal and minimal concentration data. The elimination phase half-life was determined to be 6.5 hours, which is similar to the values reported following single-dose administration.

Suppression of histamine-induced wheal response by loratadine (SCH 29851) over 28 days in man.

Five groups of 12 healthy volunteers each received in double-blind, randomized fashion oral b.i.d. doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg loratadine, 12 mg chlorpheniramine maleate (CTM), or placebo for 28 days. Histamine and saline were injected intradermally into opposite arms at baseline and at specified times following treatment on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Notable suppression of adjusted wheal formation (histamine-induced minus saline-induced) occurred within two hours after the first dose of each active treatment on day 1. In general, throughout the treatment period, suppression of adjusted wheal formation by all doses of loratadine was significantly greater than by placebo. Suppression by 10 mg loratadine was comparable to CTM, and 20 and 40 mg loratadine were significantly greater than CTM. Suppression of wheal formation by loratadine during the treatment period and during five days posttreatment were dose related. The continued effectiveness of loratadine throughout the 28 days suggests that tolerance to loratadine did not develop in this study. Sedation occurred in 8 of 12 subjects receiving CTM, 1 of 12 receiving 10 mg loratadine, and 1 of 12 receiving placebo.

Rising multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of labetalol in hypertensive patients.

Labetalol, a drug possessing both alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking activities, is used in the treatment of hypertension. The current study was undertaken to elucidate the steady-state pharmacokinetics of labetalol following a rising oral multiple-dosage regimen. Twelve patients received oral labetalol every 12 hours for 18 days. An initial dose of 100 mg was increased at three-day intervals to 200, 300, 400, and 600 mg q12h. Selected blood samples were taken at various times following drug administration at each dose level and analyzed for labetalol levels by a specific high-performance liquid chromography assay. The pharmacokinetics of labetalol are best described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption. The half-lives of the absorption, distribution, and elimination phases are 0.6, 1.3, and 8.3 hours, respectively. The steady-state plasma drug concentrations are predictable from the pharmacokinetic data and are in good agreement with the observed values. Steady-state levels are reached by the third day at each dose level studied and increase proportionally with dose.

Pharmacologic evaluation of loratadine (SCH 29851), chlorpheniramine and placebo.

The antihistaminic effect of loratadine (160 mg) was compared in twenty-four normal male volunteers to chlorpheniramine maleate (4 mg) and placebo in a double blinded 3-way cross-over study of latin square design. After receiving single oral doses of each medication, the wheal response to serial 0.1 ml intradermal histamine (2 micrograms) and saline (control) injections were recorded over a 24-h period. The calculated wheal areas were compared to base-line measurements. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance. Loratadine exhibited a more pronounced inhibition of histamine wheal formation than placebo or chlorpheniramine maleate (p less than 0.003). In contrast to chlorpheniramine maleate which had a duration of action of only 3 h, loratadine inhibited the response for the entire observation period between 1 and 24 h post-dose. Although sedation was observed less frequently with loratadine (Placebo, n = 2; chlorpheniramine, n = 3; and loratadine, n = 1), the relative incidence were not statistically significant.

Dose-dependent absorption of disodium etidronate.

The gastrointestinal absorption of disodium etidronate (as [14C]disodium etidronate) was investigated in the rat proximal jejunum in-situ. Studies using various initial concentrations of the drug suggested that etidronate absorption occurred by passive diffusion at initial concentrations below 0.08 M. At initial concentrations above 0.08 M, the rate of absorption was significantly greater than would be expected if passive diffusion was the only mechanism responsible for absorption. Etidronate absorption is not mediated by the carrier mechanism responsible for phosphate ion absorption.

Interspecies pharmacokinetic scaling of Sch 34343.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of Sch 34343 have been determined for mice, rats, rabbits, monkeys, dogs and humans and correlated among species as an exponential function of body weight. The pertinent pharmacokinetic parameters tested are apparent and steady-state volumes of distribution, total body clearance, elimination phase half-life, and mean residence time. This study showed that the extrapolation of animal data to humans on a new investigational drug, Sch 34343, can be potentially useful.

The excretion of rosaramicin in breast milk.

The excretion of rosaramicin, a macrolide antibiotic, was studied in the breast milk of ten lactating women. Breast milk and serum samples were collected for 48 hours after a single 250-mg oral dose of rosaramicin. Mean serum half-life, apparent volume of distribution, and oral clearance were 4.4 hours, 3.41 L/kg, and 6.34 mL/min/kg, respectively. Mean milk/serum ratio was 0.12 and the total amount of drug recovered over the first ten hours was 6.25 micrograms, approximately 0.0025% of the dose. A positive correlation between breast milk volume and breast milk clearance was found, suggesting that the amount of drug received by a nursing infant will depend on the volume of milk produced by the mother. Drug-induced toxicity from the parent drug is unlikely to occur in nursing infants since the amount of rosaramicin that a nursing infant could ingest is small.

Comparative bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of albuterol.

Albuterol sulfate, alpha'[[1,1-dimethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol sulfate, is a relatively selective beta-2-adrenergic bronchodilator used for the relief of bronchospasm. The bioavailability of two 4-mg tablet formulations, differing in their inactive excipients, and a syrup formulation, was evaluated. The three dosage forms were orally administered to 12 normal male volunteers in a randomized three-way crossover study. Plasma samples were collected at frequent time points through 12 h and analyzed for albuterol content by a specific GC-MS method. The drug was rapidly absorbed from all three formulations. Maximum drug concentrations were comparable for the three formulations and were obtained between 1.8-2.0 h. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curves were 68-78 h X ng/mL. The drug elimination phase half-live (t1/2 beta) ranged from 4.8 to 5.5 h. Analysis of the data showed that the bioavailability of albuterol from a tablet formulation is equivalent to that from a solution.

Disposition and metabolic fate of 14C-quazepam in man.

The absorption, metabolism, and excretion of quazepam, a new benzodiazepine hypnotic, was investigated in six normal male volunteers after oral administration of 25 mg 14C-quazepam in solution. Quazepam was well absorbed. Plasma radioactivity peaked (324.6 ng quazepam eq/ml) 1.75 hr postdose. Unchanged quazepam reached its maximum plasma level (148 ng/ml) at 1.5 hr with an apparent absorption half-life of 0.4 hr. Major plasma metabolites of quazepam were 2-oxoquazepam (OQ), obtained by replacement of S by O,N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam (DOQ), and 3-hydroxy-2-oxoquazepam (HOQ) glucuronide. Both OQ and DOQ are pharmacologically active. Plasma elimination half-lives for quazepam, OQ, DOQ, and radioactivity were 39, 40, 69, and 76 hr, respectively. The respective AUC (120 hr) values were 715, 438, 3323, and 11402 hr X ng/ml. Approximately 54% of the radioactive dose was excreted in the urine (31.3%) and feces (22.7%) over a 5-day period. HOQ glucuronide was the major urinary metabolite of quazepam. Other metabolites present in the urine in relatively large amounts were glucuronides of DOQ and HDOQ.

Steady-state bioavailability of dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine from a repeat-action combination tablet.

The steady-state bioavailabilities of dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine were evaluated following multiple-dose administrations of a repeat-action combination tablet containing 6 mg of dexbrompheniramine maleate with 120 mg of pseudoephedrine sulfate every 12 h for 7 d compared with reference standards. The reference standards used in this study were concomitant administration of conventional 2-mg dexbrompheniramine maleate tablets every 4 h and 120-mg pseudoephedrine sulfate repeat-action tablets every 12 h, each for 7 d. Twelve healthy adult male volunteers completed this randomized two-way crossover study. Blood samples for subsequent assay were obtained at frequent time intervals throughout each 7-d dosing phase. Sensitive and specific gas-liquid chromatographic methods were used for the determination of dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine in plasma. Based on the plasma levels, the times to reach steady state were determined. In addition, the major bioavailability parameters (Cmin, Cmax, tmax, and AUC) for days 6 and 7 of dosing were determined and statistically evaluated. The results of this study demonstrate that, at steady state, the repeat-action combination tablet and concomitant administration of the reference standards are bioequivalent.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of rosaramicin in humans.

The pharmacokinetics of rosaramicin was studied in subjects receiving 500 mg of the drug (i) by 1-h intravenous infusion, (ii) in solution orally, or (iii) as tablets orally. After intravenous administration, the rosaramicin levels in serum declined rapidly with t1/2S of 0.27 h for the distribution phase and 3.28 h for the elimination phase. The apparent volume of distribution was 3.78 liter/kg, and the total body clearance was 13.41 ml/min per kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution or metabolism or both. Similar pharmacokinetic data were obtained after oral administration of the drug in solution or tablets and after intravenous dosing. The absolute bioavailability of the drug administered orally, in either tablets or solution, was 32 to 39%. The metabolism and excretion of [14C]rosaramicin administered orally were also evaluated in volunteers. The serum area under the curve (infinity) of unchanged rosaramicin was 19% of that of total radioactivity, indicating extensive metabolism of the drug. About 7.0% of the radioactivity was recovered in the urine, and 86.7% was recovered in the feces. Only a small amount of unchanged rosaramicin was present in the urine (7 to 9% of urinary radioactivity), but none was present in the feces. The major metabolite, 20-bis-ureidorosaramicin, represented 17 to 38% of the radioactivity in the urine and 26 to 29% of the radioactivity in the feces.

Quazepam kinetics in the elderly.

The kinetics of quazepam, a benzodiazepine hypnotic, was studied in 10 geriatric subjects. Each received one 15-mg tablet of quazepam. Blood samples were collected before and at specified times (up to 672 hr) after dosing. Plasma concentrations of quazepam and its two major active plasma metabolites, 2-oxoquazepam and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam (N-desalkylflurazepam), were determined by specific GLC methods. Kinetics were best described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption/formation kinetics and standard equations. Quazepam was rapidly absorbed, with a t1/2 of 0.8 hr. The mean maximum plasma level (Cmax) was 29.3 ng/ml. The disposition t1/2s in the distribution (t1/2 alpha) and elimination (t1/2 beta) phases were 3.5 and 53.3 hr. 2-Oxoquazepam was rapidly formed with quazepam, with an apparent formation t1/2 of 0.8 hr. Mean Cmax was 14.5 ng/ml. The t1/2 alpha and t1/2 beta of 2-oxoquazepam were 4.2 and 43.1 hr, of the order of those of quazepam. The t1/2 beta of N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam, formed from 2-oxoquazepam, was 189.7 hr, much longer than that of its precursor. Comparison of these data with reported kinetic data in young subjects shows that t 1/2 betas of quazepam and 2-oxoquazepam increased only slightly or not at all with age, but that the t 1/2 beta of N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam in the elderly was more than twice that in young subjects.

Excretion of quazepam into human breast milk.

Previous metabolic studies have established that two major metabolites, 2-oxoquazepam and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam, are present in plasma after dosing with quazepam, a new benzodiazepine hypnotic. The excretion of quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam into human breast milk was studied in four lactating nonpregnant volunteers. Each volunteer received one 15-mg quazepam tablet following an overnight fast. Nursing of offspring was discontinued after drug administration. Milk and blood samples were collected prior to and at specified times (up to 48 hours) after dosing. Plasma and milk levels of quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam were determined by specific GLC methods. The concentrations of the three compounds found in milk appeared to depend on their relative lipophilicities, which were determined by log P values. The mean milk/plasma AUC ratios of quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam were 4.19, 2.02, and 0.091, respectively. Levels of quazepam and 2-oxoquazepam declined at about the same rate in plasma and in milk. The total amount of the administered quazepam dose found in the milk as quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam through 48 hours was only 0.11 per cent.

Effect of sleep on quazepam kinetics.

The effect of sleep on quazepam kinetics was studied in 12 normal adult men. In a randomized two-way crossover design, each subject received one 15-mg quazepam tablet either at night just before sleep or in the morning after a night's sleep. Blood samples were drawn before and at specified times (to 120 hr) after dosing. To assure that blood collection did not interfere with sleep, blood was drawn by an indwelling catheter from a large arm vein. Plasma concentrations of quazepam and its two major plasma metabolites (which are also active) 2-oxoquazepam and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam (N-desalkylflurazepam) were determined by specific GLC methods. Kinetic analysis was by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption/formation kinetics. Quazepam was rapidly absorbed with both administration times; absorption t 1/2 was 0.7 to 0.9 hr. Absorption lag time was slightly longer after the nighttime dose (1.0 and 0.6 hr). Maximum concentration and AUC of quazepam and 2-oxoquazepam and AUC of N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam were somewhat higher after nighttime dosing, most likely a result of decreased apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment after the nighttime dose (5.0 l/kg for nighttime dosing and 8.6 l/kg for morning dosing). The elimination t 1/2s of quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam after the morning dose were 25, 28, and 79 hr, which did not differ from those values after the nighttime dose. In general, time of dosing had no appreciable effect on quazepam kinetics or those of its major active plasma metabolites. The small differences between the two dose times are not expected to have clinical significance.

Multiple-dose halazepam kinetics.

Halazepam is a benzodiazepine used in the management of anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety. Our study was undertaken to evaluate its steady-state kinetics and those of its major active plasma metabolite N- desalkylhalazepam . Eleven healthy men aged 19 to 35 yr were given oral, 40-mg halazepam tablets every 8 hr for 14 days. Plasma samples were analyzed by gas chromatography to determine levels of halazepam and N- desalkylhalazepam . Halazepam kinetics can best be described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption kinetics. The elimination phase t1/2s of halazepam and N- desalkylhalazepam were 34.7 and 57.9 hr. Steady-state levels were predictable from kinetic data and were reached by the third day for halazepam and by the eleventh day for N- desalkylhalazepam .

Multiple-dose quazepam kinetics.

Quazepam, a benzodiazepine hypnotic, was studied in normal subjects to evaluate steady-state kinetics of quazepam and of its major active plasma metabolites, 2-oxoquazepam and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam, after 15 mg once daily by mouth for 14 days. The kinetics of quazepam and 2-oxoquazepam can be best described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption/formation kinetics. Quazepam was rapidly absorbed and its two major plasma metabolites appeared very quickly in systemic circulation. The elimination t 1/2s of quazepam, 2-oxoquazepam, and N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam were 41, 43, and 75 hr. Steady-state levels were predictable from the kinetic data and were reached by the seventh dose for quazepam and 2-oxoquazepam and by the thirteenth dose for N-desalkyl-2-oxoquazepam. These kinetic profiles may explain the clinical hypnotic effect of quazepam--rapid induction of sleep and long duration of clinical action without appreciable rebound insomnia.

Phenytoin I: in vitro-in vivo correlation for 100-mg phenytoin sodium capsules.

Dissolution profiles for 11 brands of phenytoin sodium capsules were carried out by the basket and paddle methods (USP) and the spin-filter method. The results from the dissolution studies have been correlated with observed differences in in vivo parameters (Cmax and tmax). The dissolution by the basket method at 50 rpm in water gave a correlation greater than 0.9. The results suggest the existence of two types of phenytoin sodium products on the market.

Comparacion de la biodisponibilidad de una formula micronizada y otra ultramicronizada de griseofulvina en el hombre. / Comparison of the bioavailability of a micronized and other ultramicronized formula in the man

Se comparo la biodisponibilidad de 500 mg de una formula micronizada de griseofulvina, con dos nuevas formulas ultramicronizadas del agente, dos tabletas de 165 mg y una tableta de 330 mg, en 16 voluntarios varones, sanos, segun un protocolo de estudio aleatorio y cruzado. En base a las concentraciones plasmaticas de griseofulvina, medidas a intervalos especificados durante um periodo de 48 horas, se determinaron los principales parametros de biodisponibilidad (area bajo la curva de concentracion plasmatica en funcion del tiempo, concentracion plasmatica maxima y tiempo necesario para alcanzar la concentracion plasmatica maxima), y los mismos se evaluaron estadisticamente. Los resultados demostraron que una tableta ultramicronizada de 330 mg era bioequivalente a dos tabletas ultramicronizadas de 165 mg de griseofulvina y que ambas posologias de griseofulvina ultramicronizada eran bioequivalentes a 500 mg de la formula micronizada de griseofulvina