The relationship between debrisoquine oxidation phenotype and the pharmacokinetics of chlorpropamide.

The pharmacokinetics and urinary metabolite pattern of a single oral dose of chlorpropamide 250 mg have been studied in 6 extensive and 5 poor metabolizers of debrisoquine. Ammonium chloride was given orally to acidify the urine in order to make elimination of the parent drug dependent on metabolism alone. The concentration profile in serum and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the parent drug were similar in both groups. However, the ratio in urine of unchanged chlorpropamide to its hydroxylated metabolites was higher in poor than in extensive metabolizers.