INFLUENCE OF AGE AND SEX ON THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF THIOPENTONE

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Abstract
Thiopentone was given to 8 women and 8 men (60-79 yr). The disappearance of thiopentone from the venous blood was described by a 3-compartment open model. The only significant difference between the sexes was a higher initial venous concentration in males. The dose (mg/kg) for induction was 70% of the value (P < 0.05) previously reported for a comparable group of younger men and women (20-40 yr). The volumes of distribution V2 and V3 were larger in the elderly (P < 0.05). The terminal half-lives were increased with advancing age (from 75-100% on average) (P < 0.01). The clearance value was 50% greater in the older women than in a group of young women. For all groups a significant correlation between initial drug concentration and k12 [rate constant] supported the hypothesis that the redistribution rate constant k12 is the predominant factor in the pharmacokinetic profile of a dose of thiopentone sufficient to obtund the eyelash reflex.

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