Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Diuretic Effect of Furosemide in Plain Tablet and Retard Capsule with Normal Subjects and Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

The dissolution profiles of furosemide in various solutions were studied with plain tablet and retard capsule of furosemide. The rate constant and percent dissolution in retard capsule were lower than that in plain tablet. Clinical pharmacokinetics and diuretic effect of furosemide after oral administration of two dosage forms were also studied with 3 normal subjects and 3 cirrhotic patients. In normal subjects, the extent of furosemide absorption from retard capsule was 45% of plain tablet. The daily urine volume after oral administration of two dosage forms was comparable, however, quite different porfiles were observed between these dosage forms. In patients, the extent or furosemide absorption in retard capsule was one half that of plain tablet. The dose of retard capsule was increased without adverse reactions, thus decreasing of ascites, which was not observed with plain tablet, was achieved with increasing urine volume. © 1983, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.