[Clinical pharmacokinetics of flunitrazepam (Nacrozep) in intensive care patient (preliminary results)].

Abstract

A protocol of repeated I. V. injections of flunitrazepam was constructed by mathematical simulation on the basis of pharmacokinetic data obtained from single intravenous injections given to healthy subjects. This protocol would given serum blood levels equal to 15 ng . ml-1, rapidly and compatible with long term artificial ventilation, thanks to the pharmacological action of flunitrazepam. Four patients in the ICU benefited from this protocol. The levels desired were not reached but in two cases out of four it was possible to continue artificial ventilation without the addition of any other drug. Furthermore it was possible to show that the three compartment model developed from healthy subjects remains valid in pathological circumstances. A second protocol based on pharmacokinetic data from four patients should allow us to obtain the objective aimed at.