The effect of physical activity on absorption and metabolism of an orally applied drug (pentoxifylline).
OBJECTIVE
In this study the effect of physical activity on absorption and metabolism of a therapeutic drug was investigated by comparing plasma concentrations and metabolism of pentoxifylline during rest and after standardized physical activity.


METHODS
After an oral dose of 600 mg pentoxifylline plasma concentrations of the drug and its metabolite 1 were monitored in nine healthy volunteers during five hours with the persons at rest and in a second experiment after ability-adapted standardized bicycle ergonometry.


RESULTS
In six of nine test persons exercise led to significant higher plasma concentrations of the drug at 2 hours after application (+77%; p <0.01) compared to the concentrations in the same persons at rest. Reductive metabolism of pentoxifylline decreased in all test persons after physical activity giving 19% lower maximal concentrations of metabolite 1 (p = 0.06, not significant) and a 16% lower area under the concentration time curve (p <0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that physical activity can influence absorption and metabolism of a drug.
Adam
P
P
Walther Straub-Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Nussbaumstr. 26, D-80336 München, Germany.
Richter
E
E
Adam
O
O
Forth
W
W
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D010431:Pentoxifylline