Tissue distribution of ibogaine after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration.

Ibogaine, a substance being studied for anti-addictive properties, was measured in rats' plasma, brain, kidney, liver, and fat after injection into the abdomen or under the skin. One hour after a 40 mg/kg dose into the abdomen, drug levels ranged from 106 ng/ml in plasma to 11,308 ng/g in fat, with higher levels after injection under the skin. Levels dropped 10-20 fold after 12 hours. The results indicate that ibogaine undergoes a substantial first-pass effect when given into the abdomen, accumulates heavily in fat due to its lipophilic nature, and its persistence in fat may contribute to a long duration of action.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The distribution of the putative anti-addictive substance ibogaine was measured in plasma, brain, kidney, liver and fat after ip and sc administration in rats. One hr after ip dosing (40 mg/kg), drug levels ranged from 106 ng/ml (plasma) to 11,308 ng/g (fat), with significantly higher values after sc administration of the same dose. Drug levels were 10-20 fold lower 12 hr after the same dose. These results suggest that: 1) ibogaine is subject to a substantial "first pass" effect after ip dosing, demonstrated by higher drug levels following the sc route, 2) ibogaine shows a large accumulation in adipose tissue, consistent with its lipophilic nature, and 3) persistence of the drug in fat may contribute to a long duration of action.