Effect of urine pH on the elimination of phenoperidine

The effect of urine pH on the plasma concentration and elimination of phenoperidine and its main metabolites was studied in six volunteers. The clearance of unchanged phenoperidine in acid urine was significantly greater than in neutral or alkaline urine. By contrast, the elimination of its basic metabolites was enhanced in uncontrolled or alkaline urine. Other pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly affected.