Study of the effects of cicletanine on prostanoids

The effect of cicletanine (BN 1270), a new furopyridine derivative, on human prostaglandin metabolism was investigated in a single-blind, two-way crossover study in healthy volunteers. Two dosages, 150 and 300 mg, were prescribed in single and 14-day regimens. There was a rapid and sustained increase in urinary excretion of the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-prostaglandin F1a which was independent of duration of treatment and urine flow. This response supports earlier evidence for an important stimulatory effect of cicletanine on prostacyclin synthesis and may contribute to the mechanism of antihypertensive action of the drug.