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Temporal variations of lorazepam pharmacokinetics
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
The time of day affects how quickly lorazepam is absorbed into the body. Morning doses of lorazepam showed faster absorption compared to evening doses, influencing its pharmacokinetics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Lorazepam is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia.
- Understanding its pharmacokinetic profile is crucial for optimizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of administration time on lorazepam pharmacokinetics.
- To determine if morning versus evening dosing affects drug absorption and elimination.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study involving 16 healthy subjects (8 male, 8 female).
- Administration of a single 3.5 mg oral dose of lorazepam in the morning (7:00 a.m.) and evening (7:00 p.m.), separated by one week.
- Evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters including absorption rate and half-life.
Main Results:
- No significant temporal changes were observed in lorazepam elimination parameters.
- Absorption constant rate (Ka) and absorption half-life (t1/2a) were significantly affected by the time of administration.
- Lorazepam was absorbed more rapidly following a morning dose (t1/2a = 0.52 +/- 0.11) compared to an evening dose (t1/2a = 1.18 +/- 0.26).
Conclusions:
- The hour of administration significantly impacts lorazepam absorption kinetics.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering the time of day when determining lorazepam pharmacokinetics.
- Clinical practice may benefit from accounting for diurnal variations in drug absorption for personalized dosing strategies.