Pharmacokinetic evaluation of norendimide in rats

Norendimide, the endo-isomer of the new psychoactive compound noreximide, was studied in rats upon I.V., P.O., and I.P. administration, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from the concentration-time data. The one-compartment model was most appropriate for curve-fitting of all data. The elimination half-life is approximately 11 hours, and hence about 30% longer than that of the parent compound. The volume of distribution is about 85% of the body weight. Upon P.O. and I.P. administration the fraction of drug absorbed is 80% and 94%, respectively. A comparison with the previously reported pharmacokinetic data on noreximide indicates that both compounds, the parent drug and the analog, are completely absorbed and show some first-pass effect.