The pharmacokinetics of mianserin in elderly depressed patients.
The pharmacokinetics of mianserin were examined in eight elderly depressed patients following a single oral dose of 60 mg. Plasma concentrations were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the data analyzed using a two-compartment open model. Mean (+/- SD) estimates were: absorption half-life 0.8 +/- 1.0h, peak concentration 117 +/- 23 micrograms/l, peak time 2.2 +/- 1.3h, distribution half-life 3.4 +/- 1.2h, elimination half-life 33 +/- 15h, apparent volume of distribution 20.2 +/- 7.9 1/kg, and oral clearance 0.49 +/- 0.21 l/kg/h. These parameters were not significantly different from those found in healthy volunteers. The absorption lag time (0.6 +/- 0.2h) and area under the curve (2009 +/- 566 micrograms/l/h) were significantly different in the elderly. The clinical implications of these differences for the treatment of elderly depressed patients are discussed.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003984:Dibenzazepines / Q000097:blood*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008803:Mianserin / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003984:Dibenzazepines; D008803:Mianserin