Comparative Study of Drug Blood Concentrations in Tube Administration

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19612
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58060:Clinical nursing-related
• Research Institution: Showa University
• Principal Investigator: Sambe Takehiko 昭和大学, 医学部, 准教授 (00622135)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: pharmacokinetics / Verapamil / Simple suspension method

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of verapamil, a Ca antagonist, in healthy volunteers using the crush and simple suspension methods. The AUC0-24 and Cmax were increased in the simple suspension and crushed groups compared to the tablet group, and were significantly higher in the crushed group. This may be attributed to changes in dissolution and release rates due to processing of the drug prior to administration. Pulverization and simple suspension are easy and safe methods of oral administration for patients who have difficulty ingesting or swallowing or who are on tube feedings. However, processing of pharmaceuticals provided by pharmaceutical companies may result in unintended side effects or an increase in such side effects, and processing of pharmaceuticals prior to administration should be avoided.

Free Research Field

臨床薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢者では摂食嚥下障害を合併する頻度が高く、薬剤投与に工夫が必要だ。特に経管栄養を行っている場合には、投与可能な剤形が限られる。簡易懸濁法は、錠剤を粉砕・脱カプセルしたりせず、そのまま温湯に崩壊懸濁させて、経管投与する方法である。簡易懸濁法は多くの医療機関で実施されているが、薬物動態の検討は十分ではない。本研究で、１つの薬剤に関する簡易懸濁法の薬物動態を示したことで今後の本研究分野や高齢者への薬物投与の一助となった。