VARIABLE ORAL ABSORPTION OF HEXAMETHYLMELAMINE IN MAN

Abstract

Plasma levels of hexamethylmelamine [an antineoplastic drug] were measured by a sensitive and specific gas chromatographic assay in 11 patients after they received oral doses of 120-300 mg/m2. Peak levels were reached in 0.5-3 h and ranged from 0.2-20.8 .mu.g/ml. The area under the curve ranged from 70.2-3606.6 .mu.g/ml per min. The half-life of the .beta.-phase of elimination also showed considerable variability, ranging between 4.66-10.2 h. These parameters were not related to the dose administered. No plasma accumulation of the drug was observed after daily treatment with hexamethylmelamine for 14-21 days.