Pharmacokinetics of dezocine, a new analgesic: effect of dose and route of administration

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) dezocine, and bioavailability of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SQ) dezocine, were evaluated in healthy male volunteers. Elimination half-life following 5, 10, and 20 mg IV doses averaged 2.6-2.8 h, and was independent of dose. Clearance decreased slightly, although significantly, with dose. After Deltoid IM injection, dezocine was rapidly absorbed (peak level: 0.6 h after dose), with bioavailability 97%. Thus dezocine has extensive distribution, high clearance and short half-life over a range of IV doses. It is rapidly and completely absorbed following IM or SQ administration.