[Amiodarone absorption and elimination after oral and intravenous administration in healthy individuals]

We studied amiodarone absorption and disposal in eight male healthy subjects aged 21 +/- 1 years old and weighting 69.8 +/- 7.1 kg. An intravenous dose of 5 mg/kg and an oral dose of 600 mg of amiodarone were administered. Amiodarone concentrations were measured by HPLC and calculations were performed using a compartment model independent pharmacokinetic analysis program. After oral administration a Cmax of 1.17 +/- 0.3 mg/ml was achieved at 3.25 +/- 0.46 h (tmax). Absolute bioavailability ranged from 50.4 to 87.8% (68.6 +/- 12.6%). Compared to previous reports, the variability of this parameter is similar and the mean value is one of the highest informed. After intravenous administration, Amiodarone had a half life of 7.53 +/- 0.96 h, a total body clearance of 4.25 +/- 0.73 ml/kg/min and a distribution volume of 2.99 +/- 0.71 l/kg. Except the later figure, which is in the inferior range, all other parameters are within previously reported values. It is concluded that amiodarone absorption and disposal values found in Chilean subjects are similar to those reported abroad.