Influence of age on mianserin pharmacokinetics.

The pharmacokinetics of Mianserin (MIA) after acute administration have been studied in nine volunteers, divided into two groups according to age. The subjects were given a single oral dose of 30 mg MIA. The plasma peak time was shorter in the younger subjects than in the older. In general, the concentrations of MIA in the plasma were higher in the older subjects than in the younger, and in the former group there was no relationship between administered dose (mg/kg) and plasma levels. The area under curve, volume of distribution and clearance were significantly different in the two groups. The side effects (both incidence and type) differed in the two groups. There were no significant changes in blood pressure, either supine or standing. The sedative effect was more marked in the young than in the elderly subjects. A relationship between drowsiness and MIA plasma levels was observed only in the younger subjects.