Pharmacokinetic profile of sildenafil citrate in healthy Middle Eastern Males: Comparison with other ethnicities.

Aim: 1) To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of sildenafil citrate in Middle Eastern males and, 2) To highlight the impact of ethnicity on its pharmacokinetics parameters through comparing Middle Eastern data to the data estimated from different ethnic groups.

Method: The study was conducted on 24 Middle Eastern healthy male volunteers. Pharmacokinetic data including C, T, t, AUC, AUC were estimated from blood samples collected at several time points within 24 h post-administration of a single 100-mg tablet of sildenafil citrate (Viagra®).

A National Survey of Attitudes and Practices of Physicians Relating to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Pharmacokinetic Service: Strategies for Enhancing Patient's Care in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate physicians' perception of the concept of pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring (PK/TDM) and their use in clinical practice.

Methods: A novel, structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed, validated and distributed to physicians in 3 major cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) during a 4-month period. Data were collected on demographics, knowledge and practice of PK/TDM.

Formulation and pharmacokinetics of multi-layered matrix tablets: Biphasic delivery of diclofenac.

The rapid availability of the drug at the site of action followed by maintaining its effect for a long period of time is of great clinical importance. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to prepare and evaluate multi-layered matrix tablets of diclofenac using Eudragit RL/RS blend to achieve both immediate and sustained therapeutic effects. Diclofenac potassium (25 mg) was incorporated in an outer immediate release layer to provide immediate pain relief whereas diclofenac sodium (75 mg) was incorporated in the inner core to provide extended drug release.

A new accurate method for predicting lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements in adult psychiatric patients.

Objective: The present study aimed to derive new equations for estimating lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements needed to achieve an intended lithium serum level for adult psychiatric inpatients and outpatients.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 60 adult psychiatric patients (34 males and 26 females, aged between 18-80 years) in both inpatient and outpatient settings. All variables that might affect lithium clearance and/or lithium serum concentration were included and analyzed by stepwise multiple linear regression to produce equations describing lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements for these patients.

Information-seeking behaviors and attitudes of physicians toward drug information centers in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To assess the drug information-seeking behavior of physicians in Saudi Arabia and the information resources they were using to obtain information about new drugs. The physicians' awareness of the existence of drug information centers (DICs) and their attitudes toward these centers were also investigated. Physicians were also surveyed concerning their future information needs.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of ketoconazole and itraconazole with ciprofloxacin.

The effect of the concomitant administration of the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (KTC) and itraconazole (ITC) on the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin (CIP) following short- and long-term administration in mice was investigated. Animals received either a dose of CIP (20 mg/kg, i.p.

Disposition of abouthiouzine: a novel antihyperthyroid drug.

Abouthiouzine is a novel antithyroid agent with a profile of fewer reported adverse effects than other currently used drugs. The purpose of this current work was to explore, for the first time, the disposition of abouthiouzine following intravenous and oral administration using an animal model; also, to study its plasma protein binding properties. Abouthiouzine (2 mg/kg intravenously) was administered to healthy male Vole rabbits and Beagle dogs.

Liquid chromatographic assay of abouthiouzine in plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies.

Abouthiouzine is a newly synthesized antithyroid agent with a proposed less adverse effects profile than other currently used drugs. A simple and rapid reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography assay was developed to determine the concentration of abouthiouzine in human plasma. The procedure involved extraction of the drug and propranolol (internal standard) from the plasma using ethylacetate.

An economic assessment of the extent of medication use and wastage among families in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Gulf countries.

Background: Expenditures for prescription and over-the-counter medications constitute a large percentage of total health care costs. Governments, health care providers, and consumers must work together to find ways to control these costs while continuing to provide quality health care for their nations. To this end, medication wastage is an unnecessary burden on an already fiscally restrained health care system.