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Pharmacokinetics of meptazinol after parenteral administration in the elderly

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Summary

We have determined the pharmacokinetics of meptazinol after its intravenous and intramuscular administration in a crossover study in 7 elderly hospital in-patients (>70 years), and have compared with the results from 14 healthy, young volunteers (ages 20–40 years). The systemic availability after i.m. administration was comparable to that after i.v. administration, a result consistent with the physicochemical properties of the drug. There was a slight, but statistically significant (p<0.01) prolongation in t1/2z in the elderly (mean 2.93 h) compared with the young (mean 2.06 h). This was associated with a 25% lower clearance in the elderly rather than with any alteration in volume of distribution. However, these changes would not appear to be substantial enough to require a revised dosage recommendation for meptazinol for this age group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wyeth Laboratories, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK

    G. R. Murray, R. A. Franklin & D. F. Graham

  2. Poisons Unit, Guys Hospital and New Cross Hospital, London, UK

    R. R. Lewis & M. E. Bolland

Authors
  1. G. R. Murray
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  2. R. A. Franklin
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  3. D. F. Graham
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  4. R. R. Lewis
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  5. M. E. Bolland
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Murray, G.R., Franklin, R.A., Graham, D.F. et al. Pharmacokinetics of meptazinol after parenteral administration in the elderly. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 31, 733–736 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541306

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541306

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