| Abstract: | This preliminary clinical study describes the pharmacokinetic characteristics of flunarizine (FLN) following single and multiple dosing in epileptic patients receiving comedication. Three groups [phenytoin (PHT) only, carbamazepine (CBZ) only, and PHT plus CBZ] of four patients each were studied. Large interindividual differences, but no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters, were observed between the three groups. Following a single dose, mean values (and ranges) for apparent clearance, volume distribution, and elimination half-life (t1/2) were 0.504 L/h/kg (0.086-1.119), 12,431 L (1,959-20,920), and 308 h (61-506), respectively. FLN had no effect on PHT or CBZ steady-state levels but PHT or CBZ appeared to induce the metabolic disposition of FLN. The effect of dose on FLN kinetics could not be evaluated in this preliminary study. |
