OBJECTIVE: The effect of two different types of meal on the absorption of a modified-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat Retard) was studied. RESULTS: A light breakfast produced a delay in gastric emptying (indicated by the rate of paracetamol absorption) compared with the fasting state but did not alter the tmax or Cmax for nifedipine significantly. After a cooked breakfast, there was less delay in gastric emptying and again no delay in tmax for nifedipine. However, the Cmax for nifedipine was significantly higher than in the fasting state. Neither meal influenced the bioavailability of nifedipine. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the nature of the meal has an important influence on the absorption profile of this formulation of nifedipine, probably by an effect on its dissolution. This study illustrates the importance of considering the effects of different types of meal before concluding that food does not affect the pattern of drug absorption.
OBJECTIVE: The effect of two different types of meal on the absorption of a modified-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat Retard) was studied. RESULTS: A light breakfast produced a delay in gastric emptying (indicated by the rate of paracetamol absorption) compared with the fasting state but did not alter the tmax or Cmax for nifedipine significantly. After a cooked breakfast, there was less delay in gastric emptying and again no delay in tmax for nifedipine. However, the Cmax for nifedipine was significantly higher than in the fasting state. Neither meal influenced the bioavailability of nifedipine. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the nature of the meal has an important influence on the absorption profile of this formulation of nifedipine, probably by an effect on its dissolution. This study illustrates the importance of considering the effects of different types of meal before concluding that food does not affect the pattern of drug absorption.