The features of hepatic enzyme induction with glutethimide in man

1 Sequential measurements of D-glucaric acid excretion were made in six healthy volunteers before, during and after 3 weeks' daily medication with glutethimide 500 mg. 2 There was a rapid rise in D-glucaric acid excretion within 2 days of starting medication and a rapid decline when it was stopped. 3 Antipyrine clearance and indocyanine green clearance were measured before and at the end of the 3 weeks' medication. 4 There was a 55% increase in antipyrine clearance but no change in indocyanine green clearance. 5 There was no correlation between antipyrine clearance and D-glucaric acid excretion. 6 Glutethimide causes rapid enzyme induction in man without concomitant rise in hepatic blood flow.