A comparative study of the steady-state pharmacokinetics of immediate-release and controlled-release diltiazem tablets.

We have studied the controlled-release properties and relative systemic availabilities of two dosages of the same controlled-release (CR) diltiazem tablet formulation by comparing them at steady state with those of an immediate-release formulation. We measured 24-hour plasma concentration profiles during 4-day treatments with diltiazem 90 mg CR tablet bd diltiazem 120 mg CR tablet bd, and conventional diltiazem 60 mg immediate-release (IR) tablet tid. The study had a randomized, three-way crossover design. Twelve healthy men (38–52 y) participated.