Discontinuous oral absorption of cimetropium bromide, a new antispasmodic drug.

The pharmacokinetic profiles of cimetropium bromide, after either intravenous injection of 10 mg or oral ingestion of 200 mg, were determined in eight healthy volunteers. After intravenous administration, the plasma levels and urinary excretion indicated that the drug is distributed and eliminated at a rapid rate (terminal half-life, 50 +/- 8 min) and that urinary excretion is not the exclusive route of elimination (46 +/- 2%) of the administered dose). After oral administration, a low percentage of the drug is absorbed (1-4% of the administered dose), however, the amount is sufficient for therapeutic effect. The absorption is discontinuous, with two distinct phases, and ends abruptly during the second phase.