Carbamazepine kinetics and adverse effects during and after ethanol exposure in alcoholics and in healthy volunteers

The influence of ethanol on the single-dose kinetics of carbamazepine (400 mg syrup) was assessed in 7 alcoholics after a debauche (mean daily consumption 240 g ethanol) and after 9 days of controlled abstinence, and in 8 healthy volunteers after intake of the drug with and without a single dose of ethanol (25 g). Twelve h after the first test dose of carbamazepine the alcoholics were treated with the drug for 4 days (200 mg tablet b.d.). Carbamazepine was then withheld until a single test dose was given on day 9. Serum levels of carbamazepine and its 10,11-epoxide metabolite were measured by liquid chromatography. Carbamazepine absorption appeared to be delayed in alcoholics, both after debauche and withdrawal, but its bioavailability did not seem to be reduced. Carbamazepine levels were higher and those of its metabolite lower in alcoholics after a debauche than after 9 days of controlled abstinence, but neither was changed in healthy volunteers after the ingestion of carbamazepine together with a single dose of ethanol. The difference may have been due to inhibition of carbamazepine metabolism by ethanol at the high levels attained in alcoholics but not in volunteers. However, it could also be an expression of the unmasking of enzyme induction after ethanol withdrawal. None of the alcoholics had any withdrawal seizures. Despite similar carbamazepine levels, side effects occurred in all volunteers but in none of the alcoholics, indicating that long-term ethanol exposure may promote central nervous adaptation to the acute untoward effects of carbamazepine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Long-term effects of glipizide on insulin secretion and blood glucose control in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Of 23 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), whose fasting blood glucose had not reached less than or equal to 6.0 mmol.l-1 after 10 weeks of dietary regulation, 15, who had had a weight reduction of -2.8 kg by dietary control, did achieve a fasting blood glucose less than or equal to 6.0 mmol.l-1 after addition of less than or equal to 20 mg glipizide daily. They had a sustained (greater than or equal to 2 years) increase in meal-induced insulin secretion (32% increase in postprandial C-peptide AUC), and a sustained reduction in postprandial hyperglycaemia (34% reduction in AUC). Ten of the patients took a mean daily dose less than 5 mg (4.8 mg) and had a sustained increase in insulin secretion rate (increased C-peptide slope). The 15 patients had no elevation of basal insulin secretion and no impairment of weight reduction. The remaining 8 subjects, who showed little or no weight reduction on dietary control, had little or no reduction in fasting blood glucose despite long-term treatment with 20 mg glipizide daily, a less sustained increase in meal-induced insulin secretion, a smaller reduction of postprandial hyperglycaemia, and an increase in body weight. On diagnosis the 8 subjects did not differ from the other 15 subjects in age, body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide or insulin, nor in their glucose and insulin responses to a test dose of glipizide; the main reason for the apparent drug failure appeared to be deficient compliance with dietary regulation rather than a primary inability to respond to sulphonylurea treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anxiolytic-hypnotic drugs: relationships between prescribing, abuse and suicide

In 1978 the third largest Swedish city, Malmö, known to have the highest suicide frequency in the country, was found to have a higher prescription rate (defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day) of anxiolytic-hypnotic drugs (AHD) than the country, the corresponding county, other counties, and other cities, including the largest (Stockholm) and second largest (Göteborg = Gothenburg) cities. Barbiturate prescribing in Malmö was 40% higher than in Stockholm and 90% higher than in Göteborg, and the frequency of suicide due to barbiturates was three-times higher than in Göteborg. A small proportion (2.4% of all AHD-prescribing doctors) of private practitioners wrote a large percentage (24%) of all AHD prescriptions. Prescription surveillance and an information campaign in Malmö were accompanied by a 4-year decrease in AHD prescribing (12%), in AHD abuse (40%), in barbiturate prescribing (45%), and in barbiturate suicides (70%). The total suicide rate was reduced by 25%. There was no corresponding 4-year increase in suicide due to other drugs, or by other means, but after 5 to 7 years there was an increase in suicide by non-pharmacological means. The contribution of benzodiazepines to the frequency of suicide was very small, whereas their contribution to AHD abuse was considerable. In Göteborg, where no corresponding intervention was carried out, there was also a reduction in barbiturate prescribing (34%) and in barbiturate suicides (45%), but in contrast there was a continuous increase both in overall AHD and benzodiazepine prescribing, surpassing Malmö after 5 years. Far from a reduction there was a 7-year increase in the overall frequency of suicide. Apparently, AHD abuse and suicide can be greatly reduced by restricted prescribing of AHD, and this may but need not be accompanied by an increase in suicide by other means. Targeted drug information campaigns may assist in changing prescription patterns and their medical and social impact.

Dose-dependent effects of glyburide on insulin secretion and glucose uptake in humans

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between plasma glyburide concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 nM) and the insulin response and glucose metabolism during euglycemic (4.6 +/- 0.1 mM) and hyperglycemic (11.6 +/- 0.2 mM) conditions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nine healthy subjects participated in the study. Steady-state plasma glyburide concentrations were achieved by primed continuous intravenous infusion of glyburide.

RESULTS

During both euglycemia and hyperglycemia, glyburide enhanced insulin secretion and glucose disposal only to drug levels of 100-200 nM corresponding to an oral dose less than or equal to 10 mg.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that glyburide (and probably other sulfonylureas), operates within a narrow range of plasma concentrations (50-200 nM), which can be achieved with very low doses of the drug. It remains to be shown whether the threshold of maximal effect also in clinical practice is achieved with lower sulfonylurea doses than that currently used.

Determination of glibenclamide and its two major metabolites in human serum and urine by column liquid chromatography

A simple reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the measurement of low concentrations of glibenclamide (glyburide) and its two major metabolites, 4-trans- and 3-cis-hydroxyglibenclamide, in human serum and urine has been developed. The compounds were extracted with n-hexane-dichloromethane (1:1). The UV detection wavelength was 203 nm. The minimum detectable serum level of glibenclamide was 1 ng ml (2 nM), and the relative standard deviation was 8.9% (n = 9). When maximum sensitivity was desired the metabolites were chromatographed separately. Metabolites in urine were measured by the same method after five-fold sample dilution. The utility of the method was tested on a healthy volunteer who ingested 3.5 mg of glibenclamide. The parent drug was present in the serum for at least 18 h, and the metabolites in the urine for at least 24 h.

Effect of sulphonylurea on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in healthy and non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects: a dose-response study

The effect of a rapid-acting sulphonylurea, glipizide, on the dose-response relationship between the beta-cell response (insulin and C-peptide secretion) and the ambient plasma glucose concentration was examined in 12 healthy and 6 non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. The subjects participated in two sets of experiments which were performed in random order: (A) four hyperglycaemic clamp studies, during which the plasma glucose concentration was raised for 120 min by 1 (only in healthy subjects), 3, 7, and 17 mmol/l; and (B) the same four hyperglycaemic clamp studies preceded by ingestion of 5 mg glipizide. All subjects participated in a further study, in which glipizide was ingested and the plasma glucose concentration was maintained at the basal level. In control subjects in the absence of glipizide, the first-phase plasma insulin response (0-10 min) increased progressively with increasing plasma glucose concentration up to 10 mmol/l, above which it tended to plateau. Glipizide augmented the first-phase insulin response without changing the slope of the regression line relating plasma insulin to glucose concentrations. The second-phase plasma insulin response (20-120 min) increased linearly with increasing hyperglycaemia (r = 0.997). Glipizide alone increased the plasma insulin response by 180 pmol/l. A similar increase in plasma insulin response following glipizide was observed at each hyperglycaemic step, indicating that glipizide did not affect the sensitivity of the beta-cell to glucose. First-phase insulin secretion was reduced in the type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, and was not influenced by glipizide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prescription of antibiotics to out-patients in hospital clinics, community health centres and private practice

Prescription of antibiotics in Sweden varies between countries within a range of 13-20 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. In Malmöhus county, which accounts for the highest prescription rate, the amounts and proportions of erythromycin and tetracyclin prescribed are particularly large. All prescriptions for antibiotics dispensed in half of the pharmacies in the county during a one-week period were examined with respect to type of antibiotic and category of physician responsible for the prescription. Among 5,165 antibiotic prescriptions examined, broad spectrum antibiotics were more frequent in urban than in rural areas, and were more often prescribed by hospital physicians and private practitioners than by district physicians. Erythromycin was particularly often prescribed by paediatricians, the frequency being comparable to that of phenoxymethylpenicillin. Retrospective analysis of consultations at the ENT and paediatric clinics for respiratory tract infections showed that phenoxymethylpenicillin was not always the drug of choice by hospital physicians, despite a recommendation to that effect by the Board of Health and Welfare. The findings suggest that the choice of antibiotics is determined not only by medically relevant factors and Board recommendations but also by the habits of the consulting physicians.

Sulfonylureas. Why, which, and how?

Although controversies remain as to the usefulness of sulfonylureas, most evidence is in favor of their use in many if not patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. When used properly, sulfonylureas improve insulin secretion and action, and these effects may be maintained for years. If combined with hypocaloric dietary regulation, rapid- and short-acting sulfonylureas may help patients reach and maintain euglycemia without provoking chronic hyperinsulinemia or weight increase. There is no evidence that sulfonylurea treatment causes beta-cell exhaustion; instead, the antihyperglycemic effect helps improve beta-cell function. Sulfonylurea "failures" are often dietary failures or may be due to late introduction of these drugs, i.e., when beta-cell function is already attenuated. Desensitization of the insulinotropic effect of sulfonylureas may occur but might be avoided by discontinuous (less than 24 h/day) sulfonylurea exposure, i.e., once-daily administration of a short-acting sulfonylurea in a moderate dose. The most important adverse effect of sulfonylureas is long-lasting hypoglycemia, which may lead to permanent neurological damage and even death. This is mainly seen in elderly subjects who are exposed to some intercurrent event, e.g., acute energy deprivation or a drug interaction, i.e., aspirin. Long-acting sulfonylureas may be more likely to promote long-lasting hypoglycemia. The dose-response relationships of sulfonylureas have been poorly investigated, and sulfonylurea therapy should always be initiated and maintained at the lowest possible dose.

Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Deep Drawing of Metal Sheets

Results of a comprehensive study on deep drawing are presented. The numerical results are based on finite element procedure developed for simulation of arbitrarily shaped, 3-D forming operations. The elastic-plastic material description with Hill’s anisotropic model is employed allowing for elastic effects, unloading, and multistage processes. By applying a proper computational model of large strain and large rotation plasticity, reliable results were obtained even using relatively simple material and friction laws. Predicted values of the press force, strain distributions, and flange reduction are compared with the corresponding results from axisymmetric deep draw experiments for a wide range of materials used in real forming applications including a deep drawing quality steel, brass, high strength steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The parametric study shows the sensitivity of the solution on material parameter variations. Presented results can be considered as a set of benchmark problems.

Acute actions of sulfonylurea drugs during long-term treatment of NIDDM

The acute effect of sulfonylurea drugs during long-term treatment was evaluated in two separate studies. In the first study, the levels of plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured after intake of 10 mg glyburide alone or together with a standardized mixed meal in 10 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients treated with 10-20 mg glyburide/day for greater than 2 yr. There was no acute effect of glyburide on the insulin and C-peptide responses to the meal or during continued fasting, indicating the absence of an acute insulinotropic action of glyburide during chronic treatment. The glucose increase after the meal was also unchanged, but a significant glucose reduction was found after glyburide intake during continued fasting, suggesting a sustained acute extrapancreatic (hepatic) effect. In the second study, the diurnal glycemic excursions in 8 NIDDM patients chronically and continuously (24 h/day) exposed to glipizide (2.5-7.5 mg 3 times/day) were similar when the drug was taken 30 min before each of the three main meals and when taken immediately before the meals. It is concluded that there is no acute insulinotropic action of sulfonylurea drugs during chronic continuous exposure, whereas an acute extrapancreatic action may prevail. During such exposure, there seems to be no clinical benefit in taking a sulfonylurea 30 min before rather than at the start of a meal.

Will sulfonylurea treatment of impaired glucose tolerance delay development and complications of NIDDM?

The chronic hyperglycemia of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) evolves gradually and is usually preceded by more transient hyperglycemia, classified as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Already in this phase, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and many IGT subjects, like NIDDM patients, often display several of the metabolic and circulatory disturbances that are associated with hyperglycemia, e.g., insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and/or hyperproinsulinemia, delayed insulin release, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Therefore, and because untreated hyperglycemia is a self-perpetuating condition, early detection and early intervention may be necessary to prevent the progression and complications of NIDDM. This in turn would necessitate screening procedures, and the therapeutic goal should include both euglycemia and normalization of plasma insulin, plasma lipids, and blood pressure. A study in the German Democratic Republic indicated that the mortality in screening-detected NIDDM patients did not differ from that in patients detected in routine care. In a Swedish study on screening-detected NIDDM subjects, only those who had IGT rather than manifest NIDDM could maintain fasting blood glucose less than or equal to 6 mM for 5 yr by hypocaloric dietary regulation alone. In those with screening-detected NIDDM, the delayed acute insulin release and net postprandial hyperglycemia were improved by addition of glipizide, and most managed to attain and maintain fasting blood glucose less than or equal to 6 mM for approximately 2 yr after such addition. However, after 4 yr, there was an increase in blood glucose, suggesting that preventive intervention either may not be possible or may have to start in the IGT phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanisms and variations in the food effect on propranolol bioavailability

Mechanisms and variations in the food-induced increase in the bioavailability of propranolol were assessed by single-dose (80 mg) studies in healthy volunteers who took the drug on an empty stomach, immediately after a protein-rich breakfast, and together with a carbohydrate-rich, protein-poor breakfast. Concomitant intake of the protein-rich, but not the carbohydrate-rich, protein-poor breakfast, increased the bioavailability of propranolol in most, but not all, subjects. The food (protein) effect displayed much inter-individual variation, from a decrease to a 250% increase, which could be explained, at least in part, by a correlation between the oral clearance of propranolol and the food-induced increase in its bioavailability. The food effect was not associated with decreased total availability, but with delayed appearance, of the oxidative metabolites 4-OHP, NLA and PG. Hence the food (protein) effect does not seem to be caused by enzyme inhibition, but rather it is due to reduced hepatic extraction of propranolol, probably consequent to an increase hepatic entry rate. When taken together with the protein-rich breakfast, propranolol usually appeared in systemic blood at least as early as when taken on an empty stomach, implying that gastric absorption of propranolol may be possible in the presence of protein-rich food. Within the individual the food effect was reproducible, but its magnitude showed an intraindividual variation that may reflect its dependence upon the rates of gastrointestinal absorption and splanchnic-hepatic blood flow, and hence upon the rate of hepatic drug entry.

Clinical pharmacology and primary health care in Europe--a gap to bridge. The WHO Working Group on Clinical Pharmacology in Europe

A group of senior European clinical pharmacologists presents a position paper on the possible role of clinical pharmacology (CP) in bridging the gap between academic drug evaluation and drug prescribing in primary health care (PHC). As a teaching, research and service discipline CP has developed in academic or other major hospitals while 80% of all drugs are prescribed in PHC. CP therefore has to extend its functions to PHC. Examples are given of how joint ventures between clinical pharmacologists and PHC physicians may improve the quality of drug research and increase the clinical relevance of drug information in PHC, thereby contributing towards rational drug utilization in PHC. Colleagues in PHC are invited to respond to this call for collaboration.

Hyperglycaemia and absorption of sulphonylurea drugs

To examine whether hyperglycaemia impairs the absorption of sulphonylurea agents, glipizide, which is rapidly and completely absorbed, was measured in plasma from 12 healthy young subjects during various levels of experimentally-induced hyperglycaemia. An increase in the plasma glucose concentration above 7 mmol/l was associated with a dose-dependent delay in the absorption of glipizide; at a concentration above 11 mmol/l, the plasma glipizide concentration was reduced by 50%. The data indicate that hyperglycaemia may delay the absorption of sulphonylurea agents, probably because it impairs gastric motility and/or gastric emptying. This delay of absorption may be clinically relevant, since the efficacy of short-acting sulphonylureas is dependent upon the absorption rate of the drug.

A placebo-controlled dose-response study of felodipine extended release in hypertensive patients

This placebo-controlled study assessed antihypertensive effect and tolerability of two dose levels of an extended release (ER) formulation of felodipine (Plendil), given once daily to patients in primary health care. The patients had mild to moderate hypertension and were randomized to receive felodipine ER (FER) 20 mg (n = 50), FER 10 mg (n = 50), or placebo (n = 51) in a 4-week, double-blind, parallel-group multicenter study. After 4 weeks, the 24-h reduction in supine diastolic BP (DBP) was greater (p less than 0.01) in both FER groups (7 +/- 6 and 8 +/- 5 mm Hg) than in the placebo group (4 +/- 6 mm Hg). The 24-h reduction in supine systolic BP (SBP) was greater (p less than 0.01) in the FER 20-mg group (14 +/- 11 mm Hg), but not in the FER 10-mg group, than in the placebo group (8 +/- 11 mm Hg). No significant difference in blood pressure (BP) was found between FER 10 and 20 mg. Heart rate (HR) did not differ between any of the groups, nor did body weight or routine laboratory parameters. During felodipine treatment, 17 patients (12 receiving FER 20 mg) were withdrawn mostly because of vasodilatory side effects such as headache and ankle edema. We conclude that FER 10 mg and 20 mg once daily had an antihypertensive 24-h effect and that FER 10 mg may be more suitable as initial dose.

Influence of renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis and old age on the pharmacokinetics of diflunisal

The single-dose plasma kinetics of diflunisal was studied in healthy young and old subjects, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and in patients with renal failure. The plasma and urine kinetics of the glucuronidated metabolites of diflunisal were studied in the healthy elderly subjects and in the patients with renal failure. In addition, the multiple-dose plasma kinetics of diflunisal was assessed in healthy volunteers and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. After a single dose of diflunisal the terminal plasma half-life, mean residence time and apparent volume of distribution were higher in elderly subjects than in young adults. No difference was observed in any pharmacokinetic parameter between age-matched healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The elimination half-life of unchanged diflunisal was correlated with the creatinine clearance (r = +0.89) and its apparent total body clearance exhibited linear dependence on creatinine clearance (r = +0.78). In patients with renal failure, the terminal plasma half-life and mean residence time of diflunisal were prolonged. The renal and apparent total body clearances were lower, the mean apparent volume of distribution was higher and the mean area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC) was greater in the renal failure patients than in controls. The plasma concentration of the glucuronidated metabolites rapidly rose to levels above those of unchanged drug in renal patients, whereas they were lower than those of unchanged diflunisal in controls. The AUC (0-96 h) of diflunisal glucuronides in the patients was four-times that in controls, and the terminal elimination half-life of the glucuronides was prolonged in them. The renal excretion and clearance of diflunisal glucuronides were reduced when renal function was impaired. After multiple dosing, the pre-dose steady-state plasma-concentration increased with decreasing creatinine clearance (r = -0.79). When the plasma concentration exceeded 200 mumols.l-1, the elimination half-life was doubled, due to partial saturation of diflunisal conjugation. This finding suggests that lower doses could be used in long-term treatment. Thus, old age and arthritic disease appear to have little influence on the kinetics of diflunisal in the absence of renal functional impairment. Ordinary doses can be given for short term treatment of elderly patients with or without RA. In patients with renal failure, however, reduced doses of diflunisal are recommended.

Sulphonylurea antidiabetic drugs. An update of their clinical pharmacology and rational therapeutic use

Apart from the amelioration of symptoms, a major aim of the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, type 2 diabetes) should be the prevention of cardiovascular complications. These are associated with the chronic hyperglycaemia that is characteristic of NIDDM, and the risk of complications is already increased in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). For these reasons, and because hyperglycaemia appears to be a self-perpetuating condition, treatment should be introduced as early as possible and should be aimed at normalisation of blood glucose. To enable early detection and intervention, screening is necessary. As diet regulation alone rarely suffices to normalise blood glucose, addition of sulphonylurea drugs is indicated in many cases. If introduced in the IGT phase, sulphonylureas drugs combined with diet regulation may postpone the development of IGT to manifest NIDDM, and may reduce the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Sulphonylureas stimulate insulin release, possibly via interaction with receptors in the pancreatic B cells. In addition, such treatment enhances the reduced insulin action. This might be a primary effect but is also a consequence of the increased access to insulin and the subsequent reduction of hyperglycaemia. Sulphonylureas may enhance insulin availability by reducing insulin clearance. Effects on blood lipids are probably secondary phenomena. Fast and short acting sulphonylureas may improve the impaired meal-induced acute insulin release. If combined with weight-reducing diet regulation and introduced early, such treatment can maintain (near) normal blood glucose levels and an improved insulin action for several years without increasing basal insulin secretion, without chronic hyperinsulinaemia, and without weight increase. If not combined with diet regulation, sulphonylurea therapy is likely to fail. If introduced when NIDDM is advanced, the efficacy of these drugs is limited, with secondary failures developing at a rate of 5 to 10% per year. Continuous (24-hour-a-day) exposure to drug treatment could possibly desensitise the B cell to sulphonylurea stimulation. 'Second-generation' sulphonylurea drugs have a higher potency than 'first-generation' drugs, but this need not signify a greater clinical efficacy. The effect of several of these drugs may be increased if they are ingested half an hour before meal(s). Short acting sulphonylureas may be safer than long acting ones, which seem more likely to cause long lasting and fatal hypoglycaemia, at least in elderly patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Influence of chronic diflunisal treatment on the plasma levels, metabolism and excretion of indomethacin

The single-dose pharmacokinetics of indomethacin following 100 mg rectally was measured in two groups of 8 healthy subjects before and after diflunisal 500 mg p.o. once daily, or 500 mg in the morning and 1000 mg in the evening, until steady state conditions were reached. A further group of 8 healthy subjects was given 50 mg indomethacin rectally before and after diflunisal 500 mg p.o. twice daily. High dose diflunisal (1500 mg/day) decreased the renal clearance of indomethacin from 21.9 to 1.8 ml/min (92%) and reduced the renal excretion of both unchanged (63%) and conjugated (82%) indomethacin. The apparent total body clearance (0.12 l/h/kg), apparent volume of distribution (0.98 l/kg), and volume of distribution at steady state (0.80 l/kg) were decreased by 47%, 35% and 30%. The maximum plasma concentration (2.4 micrograms/ml) and total area under the curve (13.0 micrograms x h/ml) were increased by 40% and 119%, respectively. The terminal elimination half-life (5.7 h) and mean residence time (6.7 h) were slightly prolonged (7.0 h and 8.8 h) in the presence of diflunisal. The contribution of metabolism to the overall elimination of indomethacin was increased by only 2%. Similar results were obtained when the subjects were challenged with the low dose of diflunisal (500 mg/day), although the magnitude of the changes were smaller. The interaction between indomethacin and diflunisal may be due to competition both at the metabolic (conjugation) and the excretory (tubular secretion) levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy of dietary regulation in primary health care patients with hyperglycaemia detected by screening

The efficacy of dietary regulation was examined in 38 consecutive primary health care patients with hyperglycaemia detected on screening. Ten weeks of dietary regulation reduced overall mean fasting blood glucose from 8.2 to 6.5 mmol l-1. Fasting blood glucose fell more (from 12.3 to 7.6 mmol l-1 and from 8.4 to 6.6 mmol l-1) in the two quartiles initially above the median (7.15 mmol l-1), than in the lower quartiles (6.7 to 6.1 mmol l-1 and 5.7 to 5.8 mmol l-1), even though weight reduction was similar. The reduction in blood glucose correlated (r = 0.87) with the degree of fasting hyperglycaemia before treatment. Sixteen patients (42%) reached or maintained fasting blood glucose less than or equal to 6.0 mmol l-1, and they had a milder degree of glucose intolerance, a higher insulin response to a meal and a greater reduction in weight than the 22 patients (58%) who did not reach less than or equal to 6.0 mmol l-1. Nine patients (24%) maintained fasting blood glucose less than or equal to 6.0 mmol l-1 for greater than 5 years, and showed a considerable improvement of insulin action. Dietary regulation improved glucose control mainly by reducing fasting hyperglycaemia; neither the delay in early insulin release nor the associated elevation and prolongation of the post-prandial glucose excursions were reduced.

Equianalgesic effects of paracetamol and indomethacin in rheumatoid arthritis

The therapeutic and adverse effects of 2 weeks of treatment with high-dose indomethacin (150 mg/day) were compared with those of low-dose indomethacin (50 mg/day) combined with paracetamol (4 g/day) in a double-blind, double-dummy, cross-over study in 17 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Grip strength, Ritchie's index, joint circumference, joint pain, and patient's and physician's global assessments were estimated, and conventional laboratory parameters were followed. In addition, the time-concentration profiles of indomethacin and paracetamol were assessed during steady state. All patients had measurable plasma drug levels, indicating adequate compliance, and responders and nonresponders (five on each treatment) had equal drug levels, indicating that the variation in therapeutic efficacy was not secondary to pharmacokinetic differences. While there were fewer and milder side-effects during treatment with the drug combination, there was no difference in therapeutic efficacy. Hence, it appears that the main therapeutic profit of indomethacin in daily doses greater than 50 mg is enhanced analgesia. As such dosage involves pronounced side-effects, it seems more appropriate to employ the combination of 50 mg indomethacin and 4 g paracetamol, whereby similar analgesia can be obtained without an increase in side-effects.

The influence of glipizide on early insulin release and glucose disposal before and after dietary regulation in diabetic patients with different degrees of hyperglycaemia

An early defect in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and the preceding phase of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a reduction in early insulin release and hence a prolonged elevation of postprandial blood glucose. We therefore assessed whether a rapidly acting sulphonylurea (glipizide 5 mg 0.5 h before a test meal) could correct these disturbances in 38 IGT/NIDDM subjects, whose early insulin release and postprandial blood glucose elevations remained unimproved after 10 weeks of dietary regulation. We also assessed whether the efficacy of glipizide was dependent upon the ambient blood glucose concentration, and if early systemic availability of the drug was important for the blood glucose lowering effect. A single dose of glipizide normalized early insulin release and hence reduced the postprandial blood glucose increase that was not lowered by dietary regulation. The efficacy of glipizide was dependent upon the early systemic availability of the drug, but early systemic availability and efficacy were independent of the extent of blood glucose elevation, at least within a range of 6-12 mmol.l-1 of fasting blood glucose.