[Pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of N-propylajmaline hydrogen tartrate in man].

10 and 20 mg of N-Propyl-ajmalin-hydrogentartrate (N-PAB, Neo-Gilurytmal) were administered i.v. and orally respectively to healthy volunteers. In the study 14C-labelled N-PAB was used. The pharmacokinetics and the metabolic behaviour was examined. A fast and complete absorption of the compound could be observed. The bioavailability was 78%. The terminal plasma elimination half-life (beta-phase) was in the range of 4 to 6 hours. A total of 33% of the administered radioactivity was excreted via the kidney. 35 to 48% of the radioactivity found in urine was unchanged N-PAB. The excretion-kinetics of the three main metabolites as well as of the parent compound were determined. The possible presence of non-metabolizers is suggested.