Pharmacokinetics of a new extended-release nifedipine formulation following a single oral dose, in human volunteers

This study aimed to define the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine following oral administration of a new extended-release formulation. Twelve healthy volunteers of both sexes, aged 39 +/- 4 years, were treated with a single oral tablet of a new extended-release formulation containing 40 mg of nifedipine. Samples of venous blood were taken before dosing, after 30 min and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h after administration. Nifedipine concentration was measured by means of a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics parameters were then calculated. The plasma concentration of nifedipine increased slowly and in seven subjects biphasic peaks occurred. The mean values were as follows: t(max) 8.5 +/- 1.2 h; C-max: 36.55 +/- 6.76 ng/ml, AUC: 347.06 +/- 51.61 ng/h/ml, AUC(infinity): 409.99 +/- 61.08 ng/h/ml; A(half-life): 2.26 +/- 0.36 h; Dhalf-life: 2.43 +/- 0.44 h; Ehalf-life: 4.62 +/- 0.79 h. Twenty-four hours after administration nifedipine was still detectable (3.17 +/- 0.67 ng/ml). Arterial blood pressure decreased and heart rate increased concurrently and proportionally to the increase in nifedipine concentration. Extended-release nifedipine formulations have better tolerability profiles than immediate-release formulations, which are at present not recommended in the treatment of hypertension, hypertensive crises or myocardial infarction. This new extended-release formulation has interesting pharmacokinetic parameters and may be effective in conditions in which dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are indicated.