Influence of an acidic beverage (Coca-Cola) on the absorption of itraconazole.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of Coca-Cola in enhancing the absorption of itraconazole.


METHODS
Eight healthy volunteers were randomized to receive two treatment sequences in a two-way crossover design with a 1-week wash-out period separating each study treatment. Treatment 1, the control, consisted of 100 mg itraconazole with 325 ml water. Treatment II was identical to treatment I, except that itraconazole was administered with 325 ml of Coca-Cola (pH 2.5).


RESULTS
Serum itraconazole concentrations, after administration with Coca-Cola (treatment II), were higher than after administration with water (treatment I). The mean AUC was 1.12 vs 2.02 micrograms.h.m1-1, the mean Cmax was 0.14 vs 0.31 micrograms.m1-1 and the mean tmax was 2.56 vs 3.38 h in treatments I and II, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The absorption of itraconazole can be enhanced by Coca-Cola.
Jaruratanasirikul
S
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkla, Thailand.
Kleepkaew
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001628:Beverages; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole