The effect of food on gastrointestinal transit and drug absorption of a multiparticular sustained-release verapamil formulation

Abstract

The effect of a heavy meal on the gastrointestinal transit of ethylcellulose-coated verapamil pellets in a hard gelatin capsule was studied in 6 healthy volunteers utilizing a radiological procedure. Serum drug concentrations were also determined. Food affected not only the gastrointestinal transit of the pellets but also the absorption rate of verapamil. With food the absorption began earlier and more strongly than under fasting conditions due to longer retention of the pellets in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which favours drug absorption. It is important that in the development of modified-release formulations, whether single- or multiple-unit, bioavailability studies should be carried out in both fasting and non-fasting conditions.