This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Original Research

Quetiapine Extended-Release Versus Immediate-Release Formulation: A Positron Emission Tomography Study

David C. Mamo, MD, MSc, FRCPC; Hiroyuki Uchida, MD, PhD; Irina Vitcu, MSc; Penny Barsoum, BScN; Alain Gendron, PhD; Jeffrey Goldstein, PhD; and Shitij Kapur, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Published: January 15, 2008

Article Abstract

Objective: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of the immediate-release (IR) formulation of quetiapine is characterized by a rapid peak in plasma level and striatal dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, followed by a rapid decrease to baseline levels, necessitating the use of twice-daily dosing. An extended-release (XR) formulation of quetiapine is currently being developed to achieve similar efficacy using a once-daily dosing regimen. We compared the central D2 receptor binding between the IR and XR formulations.

Method: In this open-label, crossover positron emission tomography study using [11C]-raclopride, we compared the central D2 receptor binding potential at expected peak and trough plasma levels using equivalent daily doses of the IR and XR formulations (300, 600, and 800 mg/day) in 12 subjects. Data were collected from April 2002 to May 2003.

Results: The mean plasma level of quetiapine at trough was significantly lower than that at peak for all dose groups of both formulations except for IR 300 and 800 mg (all p values < .05), while the mean plasma level did not differ significantly between formulations at trough and peak. The mean occupancy at peak was significantly higher than that at trough for all dose groups other than IR 800 mg/day (all p values < .05) and did not differ significantly between formulations at trough and peak.

Conclusion: Once-daily dosing of the XR formulation gives peak and trough plasma levels and central D2 receptor occupancy comparable to twice-daily dosing of the IR formulation. These data should be considered while determining equivalent doses, as well as switching strategies.

Volume: 69

Quick Links: Psychotic Disorders , Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders

Continue Reading…

Subscribe to read the entire article

$40.00

Buy this Article as a PDF