Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of indoprofen in man

Summary In a pharmacokinetic study of the new analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug indoprofen, plasma levels and urinary excretion were determined in four healthy volunteers after 100 mg and 200 mg iv, and after 100 mg (capsules) and 200 mg (tablets) oral doses. After iv administration, the mean biological half-life (t1/2 ) was about 2 h (range 1.4 to 3.2 h). The apparent volume of distribution Vd ranged between 11 to 17 % of body weight, indicating its limited extravascular distribution. Most of the drug was excreted in urine as glucuronide and a smaller proportion as unchanged indoprofen: the 24 h urinary excretion of these compounds accounted for 67 to 95 % of an iv dose. Peak plasma levels occurred between 30 and 120 minutes after oral administration of 100 mg as capsules or 200 mg as tablets. The mean biological half-life was about 2 h, as after iv administration. The bioavailability of oral doses was assessed using both plasma levels and urinary excretion data. The absorption of capsules and tablets was practically complete, that of the former being faster.