Abstract |
Buprenorphine administered sublingually is a promising treatment for opiate dependence. Utilizing a new, sensitive, and specific gas chromatographic electron-capture detector assay, the absolute bioavailability of sublingual buprenorphine was determined in six healthy volunteers by comparing plasma concentrations after 3- and 5-minute exposures to 2 mg sublingual and 1 mg intravenous buprenorphine. The amount of unabsorbed buprenorphine in saliva was measured after 2-, 4-, and 10-minute exposures to 2 mg sublingual buprenorphine in 12 participants. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by analysis of variance; bioequivalence was evaluated by the Schuirmann two-sided test. The 3- and 5-minute sublingual exposures each allowed 29 +/- 10% bioavailability (area under the plasma concentration-time curve unextrapolated) and were bioequivalent. Buprenorphine recovered from saliva after 2-, 4-, and 10-minute exposures was, on average, 52% to 55% of dose. Increased saliva pH was correlated with decreased recovery from saliva. Study results indicate that bioavailability of sublingual buprenorphine is approximately 30%. Sublingual exposure times between 3 and 5 minutes produce equivalent results. Buprenorphine remaining in saliva causes an almost twofold overestimation of bioavailability.
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Authors | J Mendelson, R A Upton, E T Everhart, P Jacob 3rd, R T Jones |
Journal | Journal of clinical pharmacology
(J Clin Pharmacol)
Vol. 37
Issue 1
Pg. 31-7
(Jan 1997)
ISSN: 0091-2700 [Print] England |
PMID | 9048270
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Buprenorphine
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Topics |
- Administration, Sublingual
- Adult
- Analgesics, Opioid
(administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
- Analysis of Variance
- Biological Availability
- Buprenorphine
(administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
- Female
- Humans
- Injections, Intravenous
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Opioid-Related Disorders
(prevention & control)
- Saliva
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