P. Lundin et al., Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of budesonide controlled ileal release capsules in patients with active Crohn's disease, ALIM PHARM, 15(1), 2001, pp. 45-51
Aim: To study the influence of food on the systemic availability of budeson
ide in patients with active Crohn's disease.
Methods: Eight patients with an established diagnosis of Crohn's disease ea
ch received 9 mg budesonide controlled ileal release (CIR) capsules (Entoco
rt capsules) orally on two separate occasions: once in a fasting state and
once after a heavy breakfast. For reference, deuterium-labelled (H-2(8)) bu
desonide, 0.5 mg, was given intravenously. Plasma concentrations of budeson
ide and H-2(8)-budesonide were determined for 12 h, and their pharmacokinet
ic parameters were calculated.
Results: Average systemic availability of budesonide during fasting conditi
ons was 10.7%, area under the curve was 27.5 nmol/L x h and peak plasma con
centration was 4.1 nmol/L. Corresponding postprandial values were 13.2%, 27
.0 nmol/L x h and 3.8 nmol/L. Food increased the mean absorption time from
4.5 to 6.8 h (P=0.0012). Body clearance of budesonide was about 25% higher
after eating (P=0.0015).
Conclusions: Food had little influence on systemic availability and peak pl
asma concentrations of budesonide administered in CIR capsules. Absorption
was retarded postprandially, likely due to delayed gastric emptying. Budeso
nide in CIR capsules can be administered at the same dose regardless of pra
ndial status in patients with Crohn's disease.