A methodological comparison of two formulations of temazepam in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects. 1989

P Tuomainen
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

In a double-blind and cross-over study 12 healthy subjects took temazepam 20 mg in two different formulations (soft gelatine capsule or uncoated tablet) and matched placebo at one-week intervals. Plasma temazepam concentrations at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 8, 12 and 24 hours after treatment were analyzed by gas chromatography. Psychomotor performance was measured objectively (digit symbol substitution, letter cancellation, Maddox wing test) and subjectively (visual analogue scales) before the drug intake and 1, 2 and 3 hours later and the plasma benzodiazepine concentrations were analyzed also by radioreceptor bioassay. The two different formulations were compared in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic terms, and the gas chromatographic and radioreceptor assays were compared. The soft gelatine capsule produced higher peak plasma concentrations than the uncoated tablet. The computed AUCs and elimination half-lives proved to be similar after either formulation. A satisfactory correlation between the bioassayed benzodiazepine concentrations and chemically assayed temazepam was shown. In pharmacodynamic terms the results suggest a shorter and somewhat smaller subjective response for the capsule than for the tablet form.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009420 Nervous System The entire nerve apparatus, composed of a central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. (Stedman, 26th ed) Nervous Systems,System, Nervous,Systems, Nervous
D011930 Reaction Time The time from the onset of a stimulus until a response is observed. Response Latency,Response Speed,Response Time,Latency, Response,Reaction Times,Response Latencies,Response Times,Speed, Response,Speeds, Response
D002214 Capsules Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. Capsule,Microcapsule,Microcapsules
D005260 Female Females
D005780 Gelatin A product formed from skin, white connective tissue, or bone COLLAGEN. It is used as a protein food adjuvant, plasma substitute, hemostatic, suspending agent in pharmaceutical preparations, and in the manufacturing of capsules and suppositories. Gelafusal
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D013607 Tablets Solid dosage forms, of varying weight, size, and shape, which may be molded or compressed, and which contain a medicinal substance in pure or diluted form. (Dorland, 28th ed) Tablet
D013647 Task Performance and Analysis The detailed examination of observable activity or behavior associated with the execution or completion of a required function or unit of work. Critical Incident Technique,Critical Incident Technic,Task Performance,Task Performance, Analysis,Critical Incident Technics,Critical Incident Techniques,Incident Technic, Critical,Incident Technics, Critical,Incident Technique, Critical,Incident Techniques, Critical,Performance, Analysis Task,Performance, Task,Performances, Analysis Task,Performances, Task,Task Performances,Task Performances, Analysis,Technic, Critical Incident,Technics, Critical Incident,Technique, Critical Incident,Techniques, Critical Incident

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