Bioavailability of digoxin tablets and elixir in the fasting and postprandial states

In a multicrossover study, 8 healthy male subjects received single doses (0.75 mg) of digoxin tablets and elixir in the fasting and postprandial states. Areas under the 8 hour serum concentration curve and 6 day cumulative urinary excretion of digoxin were determined for each subject after each mode of administration. Administration with food did not significantly alter peak serum digoxin concentrations after tablets or elixir, but the peak concentration after tablets was delayed in the postprandial state. Neither mean area under the serum concentration curve nor mean cumulative urinary excretion was significantly changed by postprandial administration of either tablets or elixir. In the same indiVidual, variations in bioavailability between fasting and postprandial states were similar in magnitude to those after repeated fasting administration. Postprandial administration of digoxin does not significantly alter completeness of absorption but can alter rate.