Plasma concentration of cutaneously applied trinitroglycerin.

The absorption of trinitroglycerin ointment was studied on ten test persons over a 12-h period. The first plasma concentrations above the minimally detectable levels were found from the 10th min on. A first peak of absorption is measureable at 30 min. The inter- and intraindividual variations in the degree of absorption are most probably due to variability of absorption and various bioavailability. The absorption process can be substantiated during the entire time in which the ointment daub is in place. Typical trinitroglycerin effects such as reduction of blood pressure, elevation of heart rate, and increase in headaches were observed in healthy volunteers.