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Pharmacokinetic consequences of spaceflight
1Biomedical Operations and Research Branch, NASA-Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 28, 1991
Summary
Spaceflight alters drug effectiveness by changing how the body processes medication (pharmacokinetics) and how drugs affect the body (pharmacodynamics). This study investigates if medications reach therapeutic levels in space to ensure astronaut health.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Spaceflight causes significant physiological changes affecting drug absorption and efficacy.
- Previous observations suggest altered drug bioavailability in space, impacting treatment for space motion sickness (SMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of spaceflight on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- To determine if administered medications reach sufficient concentrations at their target sites for therapeutic effect during space missions.
Main Methods:
- The study focused on characterizing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of critical medications.
- Assessed drug concentrations at the site of action to evaluate therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Spaceflight-induced physiological changes can significantly influence medication bioavailability.
- Drug concentrations may be insufficient to produce the desired therapeutic response in the space environment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding spaceflight's effects on drug behavior is essential for effective in-flight medical treatment.
- Further research is needed to ensure astronaut medication efficacy and safety.