Abstract
Objective:
The effect of short-term heat exposure in a Finnish sauna on hepatic first-pass metabolism and the capacity to metabolize midazolam were studied in a crossover trial. Midazolam oral (15 mg) and intravenous (0.05 mg ⋅ kg−1) was given to 6 healthy young male volunteers, in random order, during a control session and a sauna bathing session (temperature 85–100° C, relative humidity 25–30%). Blood samples for the determination of plasma midazolam and α-hydroxy midazolam concentrations were taken for 6 h after drug administration.
Results:
After oral administration, the bioavailability and clearance of midazolam were not affected by sauna bathing, nor was there a significant difference in α-hydroxy midazolam plasma concentration or the α-hydroxy midazolam/midazolam AUC-ratio between the sessions. Midazolam Cmax was increased and its t1/2β was prolonged during the sauna session, but the clinical relevance of the findings appears to be modest. The pharmacokinetics of intravenous midazolam were not affected by sauna bathing.
Conclusions:
Short-term heat exposure may not affect the first-pass metabolism or hepatic capacity to metabolize midazolam.
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Received: 23 October 1995 /Accepted in revised form: 22 May 1996
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Vanakoski, J., Idänpään-Heikkilä, J., Olkkola, K. et al. Effects of heat exposure in a Finnish sauna on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of midazolam. E J Clin Pharmacol 51, 335–338 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050208
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050208