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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of γ‐hydroxybutyrate in healthy subjects
Author(s) -
Liechti Matthias E.,
Quednow Boris B.,
Liakoni Evangelia,
Dornbierer Dario,
Rotz Robin,
Gachet Maria Salomé,
Gertsch Jürg,
Seifritz Erich,
Bosch Oliver G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/bcp.12863
Subject(s) - pharmacokinetics , sedation , pharmacodynamics , gamma hydroxybutyrate , medicine , stimulant , placebo , sedative , pharmacology , anesthesia , alternative medicine , pathology
Aims γ‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is used as a treatment for narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal and as a recreational substance. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationships of GHB in humans. We characterized the pharmacokinetic profile and exposure‐psychotropic effect relationship of GHB in humans. Methods Two oral doses of GHB (25 and 35 mg kg −1 ) were administered to 32 healthy male subjects (16 for each dose) using a randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design. Results Maximal concentrations of GHB were (geometric mean and 95% CI): 218 (176–270) nmol ml −1 and 453 (374–549) nmol ml −1 for the 25 and 35 mg kg −1 GHB doses, respectively. The elimination half‐lives (mean ± SD) were 36 ± 9 and 39 ± 7 min and the AUC ∞ values (geometric mean and 95% CI) were 15 747 (12 854–19 290) and 40 113 (33 093–48 622) nmol∙min ml −1 for the 20 and 35 mg kg −1 GHB doses, respectively. Thus, plasma GHB exposure (AUC 0‐∞ ) rose disproportionally (+40%) with the higher dose. γ‐Hydroxybutyrate produced mixed stimulant‐sedative effects, with a dose‐dependent increase in sedation and dizziness. It did not alter heart rate or blood pressure. A close relationship between plasma GHB exposure and its psychotropic effects was found, with higher GHB concentrations associated with higher subjective stimulation, sedation, and dizziness. No clockwise hysteresis was observed in the GHB concentration effect plot over time (i.e., no acute pharmacological tolerance). Conclusion Evidence was found of a nonlinear dose‐exposure relationship (i.e., no dose proportionality) at moderate doses of GHB. The effects of GHB on consciousness were closely linked to its plasma exposure and exhibited no acute tolerance.