Anticonvulsant pharmacodynamics and disposition of triazolam in rats

Triazolam (TZ) is a triazolobenzodiazepine used in the treatment of insomnia that possesses significant anticonvulsant properties. Despite the widespread use of this drug, detailed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic information is lacking, especially with respect to inhibition of seizure activity. TZ disposition has been described previously by methods with limited specificity, and the concentration-anticonvulsant effect relationship has not been characterized. The current studies were undertaken to examine TZ disposition with a specific HPLC method, and to evaluate the relationship between anticonvulsant effect and concentration in Sprague-Dawley rats. TZ pharmacokinetics were characterized alter bolus or infusion administration; in a separate experiment, TZ pharmacodynamics were assessed with pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. The systemic disposition of TZ could be described with a two-compartment model; systemic clearance ranged from 2.45 to 5.30 L/h/kg, steady-state volume of distribution ranged from 2.10 to 4.02 L/kg, and mean residence time ranged from 47 to 65 min. The concentration- effect relationship was well described by a simple E(max) model: E(max), expressed as the ratio of post-TZ to pre-TZ threshold convulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol, was 9.9 ± 0.7, and the EC₅₀ values were 10.0 ± 4.6 ng/mL and 34.8 ± 9.0 ng/g in serum and whole brain tissue, respectively. Under single-dose conditions, TZ is a very potent anticonvulsant in the rat pentylenetetrazol seizure model.