Chronopharmacology

Clin Biochem. 1985 Jun;18(3):154-7. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9120(85)80100-4.

Abstract

The time of day that drugs are given can have a profound effect upon both their pharmacodynamics, i.e. their effectiveness and toxicity, and their pharmacokinetics, i.e. the way they themselves behave in the body. The chronopharmacokinetics of relatively few drugs have been investigated and are mostly those used for the treatment of cancer. We have shown that the toxicity and chronopharmacokinetics of drugs can be altered by pretreatment with steroids or melatonin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Melatonin / pharmacology
  • Methotrexate / metabolism
  • Methylprednisolone / metabolism
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism*
  • Prednisolone / metabolism
  • Toxicology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Prednisolone
  • Melatonin
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Methotrexate