The influence of two types of meal on the pharmacokinetics of a modified-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat Retard).
OBJECTIVE
The effect of two different types of meal on the absorption of a modified-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat Retard) was studied.


RESULTS
A light breakfast produced a delay in gastric emptying (indicated by the rate of paracetamol absorption) compared with the fasting state but did not alter the tmax or Cmax for nifedipine significantly. After a cooked breakfast, there was less delay in gastric emptying and again no delay in tmax for nifedipine. However, the Cmax for nifedipine was significantly higher than in the fasting state. Neither meal influenced the bioavailability of nifedipine.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the nature of the meal has an important influence on the absorption profile of this formulation of nifedipine, probably by an effect on its dissolution. This study illustrates the importance of considering the effects of different types of meal before concluding that food does not affect the pattern of drug absorption.
Armstrong
J
J
Clinical Pharmacology/Medicine Group, Southampton General Hospital, United Kingdom.
Challenor
V F
VF
Macklin
B S
BS
Renwick
A G
AG
Waller
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D019540:Area Under Curve; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005502:Food; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009543:Nifedipine