[Clinical pharmacokinetics of viloxazine chlorhydrate. Practical implications]

Pharmacokinetic data of an antidepressant agent: Apparent half-life (T1/2 elim), time of peak plasma concentration (Tmax), bioavailability, have a major contribution to determine optimal dosage in accordance with a low modification of steady-state levels. Viloxazine is a second generation antidepressant drug with a short apparent half-life (T1/2 elim: 2 to 5 h (3.4 h), which requires once a day 3 h i.v. infusion or three intakes of 100 mg oral standard formulation. The recent development of a new 300 mg slow-release form seems justified by a best compliance. Pharmacokinetic properties [Tmax = 3 to 9 h (5.2 h), T1/2 term = 6 to 7 h], suggest once a day dosage without risk of accumulation in chronic treatment. The relationships between plasma levels and the clinical improvement were not clear in literature. The recent therapeutic use of a 300 mg slow-release tablet has not permitted to change precedent findings.