Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Tigan® (trimethobenzamide hydrochloride injectable) as determined in animals is obscure, but may involve the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), an area in the medulla oblongata through which emetic impulses are conveyed to the vomiting center; direct impulses to the vomiting center apparently are not similarly inhibited. In dogs pretreated with trimethobenzamide HCl, the emetic response to apomorphine is inhibited, while little or no protection is afforded against emesis induced by intragastric copper sulfate.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of trimethobenzamide have been studied in healthy adult subjects. Following administration of 200 mg (100 mg/mL) Tigan I.M. injection, the time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was about half an hour, about 15 minutes longer for Tigan 300 mg oral capsule than an I.M. injection. A single dose of Tigan 300 mg oral capsule provided a plasma concentration profile of trimethobenzamide similar to Tigan 200 mg I.M. The relative bioavailability of the capsule formulation compared to the solution is 100%. The mean elimination half-life of trimethobenzamide is 7 to 9 hours. Between 30 - 50% of a single dose in humans is excreted unchanged in the urine within 48 - 72 hours. The metabolic disposition of trimethobenzamide in humans is not known. Specifically, it is not known if active metabolites are generated in humans.

Special Populations

Age

The clearance of trimethobenzamide is not known in patients with renal impairment. However, it may be advisable to consider reduction in the dosing of trimethobenzamide in elderly patients with renal impairment considering that a substantial amount of excretion and elimination of trimethobenzamide occurs via the kidney and that elderly patients may have various degrees of renal impairment. (See PRECAUTIONS: General and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Gender

Systemic exposure to trimethobenzamide was similar between men (N=40) and women (N=28).

Race

Pharmacokinetics appeared to be similar for Caucasians (N=53) and African Americans (N=12).

Renal Impairment

The clearance of trimethobenzamide is not known in patients with renal impairment. However, it may be advisable to consider reduction in the dosing of trimethobenzamide in patients with renal impairment considering that a substantial amount of excretion and elimination of trimethobenzamide occurs via the kidney. (See PRECAUTIONS: General and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/26/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.