The pharmacokinetics of clotiazepam after oral and sublingual administration to volunteers

The single dose pharmacokinetics of 5 mg clotiazepam drops, oral tablets, and sublingual tablets were studied in a cross-over study in 6 healthy volunteers (median age 28 yr). The formulations had similar systemic availability. Compared with oral tablets the sublingual route gave a lower peak concn. and a delayed peak time, whereas drops gave a greater max. concn. with a similar peak time. The use of drops is suggested for a more marked initial effect and the sublingual route for easier administration, esp. in the elderly.