Influence of food and of age on nitrazepam kinetics

The influence of food intake and of age on the kinetics of nitrazepam was examined in eight young and eight elderly healthy volunteers after single-dose administration of the drug. Serial blood samples were obtained during 0-24 hr, and the serum concentrations of nitrazepam were determined by gas chromatography. Concomitant food intake had no apparent influence on the absorption rate or on the bioavailability of nitrazepam in the young subjects, and there was no significant difference in nitrazepam kinetics between young and elderly subjects. Accordingly, nitrazepam may be taken together with food as well as on an empty stomach, at least in young subjects, and the increased nitrazepam sensitivity often seen in elderly subjects does not seem secondary to age-dependent pharmacokinetic differences.