Pharmacokinetics of para-aminosalicylic acid granules under four dosing conditions

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) granules. DESIGN: Phase I pharmacokinetics study. SETTING: University of Arizona School of Pharmacy. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen healthy male and female volunteers aged 36 ± 8 years. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received single doses of PAS granules (6 g) combined with cycloserine 500 mg, clofazimine 200 mg, ethionamide 500 mg, and pyridoxine 100 mg. Drugs were given on an empty stomach after an overnight fast (reference) with high-fat food, with orange juice, and with antacids. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Four subjects did not complete all four treatments due to adverse events or personal reasons. Plasma and urine samples were collected for 48 hours and measured by a validated HPLC assay. Pharmacokinetic data analysis was performed with WinNonlin using noncompartmental methods and a one-compartmental model. Bioequivalence testing was performed using the mean ratios of the maximum concentrations (C_max) and AUC_0-∞ of PAS, with 90% confidence intervals. Compared with the fasted condition, food increased C_max 1.5-fold and AUC_0-∞ 1.7-fold, and it doubled the time to maximum concentration (t_max). The least-squares mean ratios (treatment/reference) for C_max were 0.90 (58% to 139% CI), 1.16 (75% to 179% CI), and 0.82 (52% to 127% CI) with orange juice, food, or antacid treatment, respectively. Corresponding ratios for AUC_0-∞ were 1.05 (71% to 155% CI), 1.52 (103% to 224% CI), and 0.84 (57% to 125% CI), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Food significantly enhanced the absorption of PAS, while orange juice and antacids had minor effects.