Bioavailability of fluvoxamine given with and without food

The influence of concomitant food intake on plasma concentrations of the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine maleate was investigated in a two-way, crossover study design. Eight male and four female healthy, young volunteers received a single oral dose of fluvoxamine maleate (50 mg, tablet) on two occasions: after an overnight fast and immediately after a breakfast. Food did not affect maximum fluvoxamine plasma levels (Cmax), or the time to reach Cmax (tmax). The plasma AUC of fluvoxamine was on average 7 per cent lower in the fed than in the fasted state. It is concluded that the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of fluvoxamine is negligible.