ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
Key words Oral contraceptives
;
Nifedipine
;
Pharmacokinetics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objective: To investigate the influence of oral contraceptives on cytochrome P450 3A4 (P450NF) activity. Methods: In 23 healthy women, the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine and its main metabolite dehydronifedipine in plasma were assessed after a single oral dose, prior to and after intake of one of two oral contraceptive formulations, one containing 2 mg dienogest and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (group A) and the other containing 0.125 mg levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (group B). Results: While the intake of two oral contraceptives for 21 days did not influence the plasma concentration-time curve of unchanged nifedipine, mean AUC0–23.5 h and the mean Cmax values of dehydronifedipine were significantly lower in both groups tested/(24% in group A and 25% in group B). This observation may indicate a reduced formation rate of metabolites and reflects an inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity. The activation of the same or other metabolic degradation mechanism(s) could explain this result. Conclusion: The investigation presented demonstrates the importance of metabolite measurement when in vivo studies are undertaken to investigate different influences on drug metabolizing ability.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002280050543
