PHARMACOKINETICS OF TEMAZEPAM IN MALE SURGICAL PATIENTS

The pharmacokinetics of temazepam, the 3-hydroxyl derivative of diazep am, were studied in nine male surgical patients (age:28-57 years; weig ht: 55-87 kg) who had ingested single 40 mg doses, 4 hours prior to mi nor surgical procedures. Peak plasma temazepam concentrations were ach ieved rapidly (within 1 h post drug administration) and the estimated volume of distribution(mean: 1.13 l/kg), total clearance (mean:1,6 ml/ min/kg) and terminal elimination half-life (mean: 8 hours) were compar able to previously reported values in healthy subjects, There was no c orrelation between volume of distribution and either weight or age, an d between clearance and age, These findings are broadly consistent wit h previous reports from studies in healthy subjects, Temazepam can the refore be used as a premedicant in patients requiring minor surgery; t he concomitant anaesthetic agents administered and the surgical proced ures have no effects on temazepam pharmacokinetics.