Pharmacokinetics of gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) in narcoleptic patients.
Sodium gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous compound that has been under investigation in the management of narcolepsy for about two decades. The data confirm that GHB treatment decreases daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. The current study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of GHB, given twice in one night to six narcoleptic patients who had been chronically taking GHB nightly on a similar basis. Results confirmed earlier reports and showed nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Maximum concentrations were reached in 40 +/- 6.2 and 35.7 +/- 7 minutes after the first and second dose respectively. Mean AUCinf was 17731.6 +/- 4867 mg/mL/m. Mean GHB T1/2 was 53 +/- 19 minutes. GHB elimination appears to be capacity-limited in some patients when administered at a fixed dose of 3 g twice nightly at a 4-hour interval.
Center For Research In Sleep Disorders, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
M B
MB
Scharf
A A
AA
Lai
B
B
Branigan
R
R
Stover
D B
DB
Berkowitz
D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D012978:Sodium Oxybate