Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of γ-hydroxybutyrate in healthy subjects

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 May;81(5):980-8. doi: 10.1111/bcp.12863. Epub 2016 Feb 25.

Abstract

Aims: γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is used as a treatment for narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal and as a recreational substance. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of GHB in humans. We characterized the pharmacokinetic profile and exposure-psychotropic effect relationship of GHB in humans.

Methods: Two oral doses of GHB (25 and 35 mg kg(-1) ) were administered to 32 healthy male subjects (16 for each dose) using a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design.

Results: Maximal concentrations of GHB were (geometric mean and 95% CI): 218 (176-270) nmol ml(-1) and 453 (374-549) nmol ml(-1) for the 25 and 35 mg kg(-1) GHB doses, respectively. The elimination half-lives (mean ± SD) were 36 ± 9 and 39 ± 7 min and the AUC∞ values (geometric mean and 95% CI) were 15 747 (12 854-19 290) and 40 113 (33 093-48 622) nmol∙min ml(-1) for the 20 and 35 mg kg(-1) GHB doses, respectively. Thus, plasma GHB exposure (AUC0-∞ ) rose disproportionally (+40%) with the higher dose. γ-Hydroxybutyrate produced mixed stimulant-sedative effects, with a dose-dependent increase in sedation and dizziness. It did not alter heart rate or blood pressure. A close relationship between plasma GHB exposure and its psychotropic effects was found, with higher GHB concentrations associated with higher subjective stimulation, sedation, and dizziness. No clockwise hysteresis was observed in the GHB concentration effect plot over time (i.e., no acute pharmacological tolerance).

Conclusion: Evidence was found of a nonlinear dose-exposure relationship (i.e., no dose proportionality) at moderate doses of GHB. The effects of GHB on consciousness were closely linked to its plasma exposure and exhibited no acute tolerance.

Keywords: GHB; liquid ecstasy; pharmacokinetic; sodium oxybate.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Tolerance
  • GABA Agonists / administration & dosage
  • GABA Agonists / pharmacokinetics
  • GABA Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacokinetics
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Narcolepsy / drug therapy*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacology*
  • Sodium Oxybate / administration & dosage
  • Sodium Oxybate / pharmacokinetics
  • Sodium Oxybate / pharmacology*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GABA Agonists
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Sodium Oxybate