title: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of glucocorticoid suspensions after intra-articular administration.
abstract: Triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, and a combination of betamethasone phosphate and acetate were given intra-articularly in different doses. Plasma levels of the steroids were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. As a pharmacodynamic parameter for systemic steroid activity, plasma hydrocortisone levels were monitored for 3 weeks. Results indicate complete absorption from the site of injection over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Because of its lower solubility, triamcinolone hexacetonide is absorbed slower than triamcinolone acetonide, thus maintaining synovial levels for a longer time and creating lower systemic corticoid levels. Endogenous hydrocortisone suppression correlated with exogenous steroid levels. Threshold concentrations for maximum suppression were determined.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001623:Betamethasone; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide; C005900:triamcinolone hexacetonide; D006854:Hydrocortisone