THE INFLUENCE OF 2 TYPES OF MEAL ON THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF A MODIFIED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF NIFEDIPINE (ADALAT RETARD)

Objective: The effect of two different types of meal on the absorption of a modified-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat Retard) was s tudied. Results: A light breakfast produced a delay in gastric emptyin g (indicated by the rate of paracetamol absorption) compared with the fasting state, but did not alter the t(max) or C-max for nifedipine si gnificantly. After a cooked breakfast, there was less delay in gastric emptying and again no delay in t(max) for nifedipine. However, the C- max for nifedipine was significantly higher than in the fasting state. Neither meal influenced the bioavailability of nifedipine. Conclusion : The results suggest that the nature of the meal has an important inf luence on the absorption profile of this formulation of nifedipine, pr obably by an effect on its dissolution. This study illustrates the imp ortance of considering the effects of different types of meal before c oncluding that food does not affect the pattern of drug absorption.