Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of serum glycerol in patients with brain edema: comparison of oral and intravenous administration.

To clarify the pharmacokinetics and effect of ICP reduction of glycerol administered orally, the serum concentration of glycerol was measured by the enzymatic method and ICP was measured by the subdural balloon method in severe head injured patients with brain edema and increased ICP. Sequential change of serum glycerol concentration and its relationship to the reduction of ICP were analyzed. The results showed that the pharmacokinetics of glycerol through oral administration were similar to that of intravenous glycerol administration and the changes of ICP were also similar to that of intravenous glycerol administration. We determined that glycerol can be administered either per oral or per venous to obtain the same results for treatment of brain edema with raised ICP.