A comparison of the soft gelatin capsule and the tablet form of temazepam.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the soft gelatin capsule and tablet form of temazepam were compared. In a single blind study, six healthy volunteers, in the supine position, took either a tablet of temazepam 20 mg or a soft gelatin capsule of temazepam 20 mg. Sixty gynaecological in-patients received either a tablet or a soft gelatin capsule of temazepam 20 mg the night before surgery as premedication. Subjective parameters were assessed in the morning. The soft gelatin capsule yielded clearly higher serum concentrations during the first hour after administration. In the pharmacodynamic parameters there were slight but insignificant differences in favour of the capsule form. As a premedicant the capsule resulted in a significantly (P less than 0.01) shorter delay in the onset of sedative action and to an almost significant (P less than 0.05) delay in falling asleep; also an almost significantly (P less than 0.05) longer action of sleep in comparison with the tablet.