Pharmacokinetics of prostaglandins

Naturally occurring prostaglandins (PGs) are rapidly metabolized in the human circulation. For clinical use a number of PG analogues have therefore been developed which are resistant to rapid inactivation. Among these are carboprost, gemeprost and misoprostol. Following intramuscular injection of carboprost, plasma levels peaked after 20 minutes and declined slowly thereafter. In amniotic fluid the half-life was between 31 and 37 hours. Gemeprost is administered vaginally, and maximum plasma levels were reached after 2–3 hours, with detectable levels for at least 6–8 hours. Pharmacokinetic data on misoprostol are available following oral, vaginal and sublingual administration. Following oral treatment, plasma levels peaked at about 30 minutes, while after vaginal administration of the tablets the levels increased gradually and reached maximum levels after 70–80 minutes, but remained detectable for a significantly longer time. After sublingual administration the peak concentration was the same as for oral treatment but declined significantly more slowly. Endocervical administration of PGE2 might be regarded as a local therapy, while following vaginal administration increased plasma levels of metabolites can generally be found. The plasma profile varies with the vehicle used.