Doxepin kinetics

Abstract

The kinetics of doxepin (DOX) hydrochloride were studied in 7 volunteers after the oral administration of 75 mg. Peak plasma concentrations of DOX ranged from 8.8 to 45.8 ng/ml and were reached within 4 hr. The disappearance of DOX was biphasic and followed first‐order kinetics. The mean DOX half life (t^½) was 16.8 hr and in individuals ranged from 8.2 to 24.5 hr. The mean apparent volume of distribution was 20.2 L/kg and ranged from 9.1 to 33.3 L/kg. The estimated first‐pass metabolism of DOX ranged from 55% to 87% of the oral dose assuming complete absorption. Significant quantities of the metabolite desmethyldoxepin (DMD) were produced. Peak levels of DMD ranged from 4.8 to 14.5 ng/ml and were reached between 2 and 10 hr after administration. The mean tl^½ of DMD was 51.3 hr and in individuals ranged from 33.2 to 80.7 hr. There was no correlation between the DOX and DMD t^½s. The amount of DMD produced correlated with the plasma concentration of DOX and appears to explain the correlation between the steady‐state concentrations of DOX and DMD in patients given DOX.