Serum protein binding of model acidic drugs in smokers and non-smokers.

The serum protein binding of sulfisoxazole (sulfafurazole, INN) and diazepam, drugs that bind to the two main binding sites for acidic drugs on albumin, has been studied in young smokers and non-smokers. No differences between the two groups could be detected with regard to the serum protein binding of either drug. Thiocyanate, present in relatively large amounts in the serum of smokers, does not seem to affect the drug-binding properties of serum proteins.