Pharmacokinetics of ergotamine in healthy volunteers following oral and rectal dosing

Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1986;30(3):331-4. doi: 10.1007/BF00541538.

Abstract

Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in a study on the disposition of ergotamine following oral and rectal administration. Plasma samples were collected surrounding each dose of medication and a new mass spectrometry method was used for quantitation of the samples. A mean peak plasma concentration of 454 pg/ml was measured an average of 50 min following a 2 mg rectal dose. In contrast, the 2 mg oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 21 pg/ml an average of 69 min following the dose. Area under the concentration time curve indicated a relative bioavailability of 5% for the oral dosage form. Conflicting data on ergotamine disposition highlight the factors which may be responsible for determining bioavailability and pharmacologic activities of the compound.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Biological Availability
  • Ergotamine / administration & dosage
  • Ergotamine / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Suppositories

Substances

  • Suppositories
  • Ergotamine