ABSTRACT
The volume of distribution and plasma concentration of alprazolam were assessed in fifteen hepatic insufficient patients. For this purpose, tab. Alprazolam 0.25 mg, orally was given twice a day, to five healthy, normal [control] subjects and fifteen hepatic insufficient patient. Drug was given for a period of twenty one days. Plasma concentration and Vd of alprazolam were evaluated on day seven and twenty one. Control group showed no change in plasma concentration and Vd on day 7 and 21. In hepatic group, there was a remarkable difference in plasma concentration on day 7 and 21, when compared with controls. In contrast, there was slight reduction in Vd in control vs hepatic group on day 21. So the study revealed that prolonged alprazolam treatment have less effect on Vd as compared to plasma concentration which was raised during long term therapy. Therefore, it is suggested that, the dose of alprazolm should be reduced in hepatic insufficient patients