The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tolmesoxide in essential hypertensives

Summary

Tolmesoxide is a new, direct-acting vasodilator drug for use in the management of both hypertension and cardiac failure. In 6 essential hypertensives inadequately controlled by combined β-blocker and diuretic therapy (average supine blood pressure 178/103 mm Hg) the addition of tolmesoxide (300–900 mg daily) was associated with a significant improvement in blood pressure control (average supine blood pressure 161/89 mmHg). The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tolmesoxide have also been studied because, particularly at higher doses, the drug has been associated with upper gastrointestinal upset and it has been empirically recommended that it be taken with food. The blood pressure and heart rate responses were not significantly different when tolmesoxide was taken fasting or with food. Food resulted in a significant reduction in the peak plasma tolmesoxide concentration (2.14 µg/ml compared to 2.97 µg/ml) and a significant increase in the time to reach peak plasma concentration (1.67 h compared to 0.63 h). Although there was no impairment of its hypotensive effect, food significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of tolmesoxide and may therefore be useful in reducing the gastrointestinal disturbance associated with its use. In the treatment of inadequately controlled hypertension, tolmesoxide has a limited role as an alternative vasodilator.