Bioavailability of dexamethasone. II. Dexamethasone phosphate.

Plasma levels of dexamethasone phosphate (DP) and dexamethasone free alcohol (DA) were determined by a modification of existing radioimmunoassay methodology following intravenous administration of DP in man. Areas under DA plasma profiles were a linear function of DP dosage over the 40-fold range 0.05 to 2.0 mg/kg, and, by comparison with values obtained after DA was intravenously administered, indicated an overall conversion of DP to DA of 90%. The first-order rate constant for the conversion, 4.03 hr-1, was approximately 25 times that for hydrolysis in whole blood incubated in vitro. This relationship as well as disposition kinetics suggested that the major component of DP hydrolysis occurs within highly perfused organ(s) comprising the central kinetic compartment. Eighteen subjects were studied in a crossover experiment, and no significant differences were observed in best-fit parameters for the 4 mg/ml parenteral solution of DP in current use and an experimental high potency preparation of 24 mg/ml.