EXCRETION OF NORTRIPTYLINE INTO SALIVA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 19  (2) , 78-81
Abstract
The relationship between serum and unstimulated and stimulated mixed saliva concentrations of nortriptyline [a tricyclic antidepressant] was studied in 7 healthy volunteers given a single oral dose of 50 mg. The concentrations were statistically significantly but variably correlated. The stimulation of saliva flow with Parafilm caused a significant increase in the mean .+-. standard error of the mean saliva pH from 6.93 .+-. 0.15 to 7.34 .+-. 0.09 (P < 0.01). Simultaneously the mean saliva/serum concentration ratio decreased from 0.28 .+-. 0.04 to 0.14 .+-. 0.03 (P < 0.001). This decrease correlated significantly with increases in flow rate and pH. Serum concentrations could not be reliably calculated from saliva concentrations because of the great variability in the saliva/serum ratios at any given pH.