Plasma isosorbide dinitrate concentrations and effect after chewable and high-dose, sustained-release formulations
Galeazzi, R.L.; Platzer, R.; Reutemann, G.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology 21(8): 387-393
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0174-4879 PMID: 6629543 Document Number: 199696
Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) was given to eight healthy volunteers either as 5 mg chewable ISDN hourly or as 40-mg, slow-release formulation every 8 h. Plasma concentration of ISDN and its two metabolites were measured during one dosing interval at steady state. Mean steady-state plasma concentration (Cpss) during the interval was taken as a measure for bioavailability. Cpss after bucal absorption was similar to that after the sustained-release preparation. Relative bioavailability of the latter reached 111%. The effect of ISDN was measured by digital plethysmography (DPG) during the first dosing interval and after 10 and 48 h, when a steady state had been reached with each formulation. DPG changes were of similar magnitude during the first 10 h, but showed a 30% decrease after 48 h. This tolerance is probably due to physiologic counterregulation. Changes in DPG reflect effects of ISDN which can be used during short-term application of the drug to assess systemic bioavailability. Development of tolerance, however, precludes the use of DPG to assess bioavailability in long-lasting steady-state experiments.