Plasma Prednisolone Levels After Administration in Plain and Enteric‐coated Tablets

Abstract

in six of the seven subjects. The range of magnitude of the rise in FT3 was 30-70% above the baseline value (mean 48%) for these six subjects. The expected rise in FT4 also occurred in all seven subjects and was of greater magnitude (range 87-400%: mean = 173%).These results confirm that heparin induces a sustained rise in FT3 as well as FT4, but do not confirm that this phenomenon is associated with any metabolic effect, in the form of suppression of TSH levels. They do not, however, exclude the possibility that other metabolic effects may occur. Indeed we would suggest that since heparin also produces elevated free fatty acid levels, which may be associated with the development of cardiac arrythmias (Kurien, Yates & Oliver, 1969; Kurien & Oliver, 1970), there is a need for further investigation into the possibility that the elevated free thyroid hormone levels, produced by this drug, may have direct tissue effects.

The effect of food and tablet formulation on plasma prednisolone levels following administration of enteric‐coated tablets.

“…Similar findings were -I I I a I I I reported by Morrison, Bradbrook & Rogers (1977). Several explanations have been put forward to explain the disparity of these reports, including differences in patient population, the effect of chronic immunosuppression, differences in tablet formulation and the effect of food (Herxheimer & Mahadeva, 1977). In two of the previous studies, healthy volunteers were used (Leclercq et al, 1974;Morrison et al, 1977) and in another two, patients receiving chronic steroid therapy were studied (Hulme et al, 1975;Wilson et al, 1977).…”

“…An earlier report from our department (Hulme, James & Rault, 1975) demonstrated lower bioavailability for enteric-coated prednisolone. The presence of food in the stomach and alterations in tablet formulation have been suggested as possible 0306-525 1/79/050523-06$01.00 explanations for the differing results that have been obtained in the past (Herxheimer & Mahadeva, 1977). The formulation of the preparation of enteric-coated prednisolone that is most widely used in this country (Deltacortril Enteric: Pfizer) has recently been altered and therefore we have been able to compare plasma prednisolone levels following administration of the two different forms.…”

Plasma Prednisolone Levels After Administration in Plain and Enteric‐coated Tablets

“…In reply to Herxheimer & Mahadeva (1977), the details and treatment of the patients participating in the study ) are shown in the Table 1. All drugs (except antibiotics) had been unchanged for 2 weeks before the study.…”