Premium
Pharmacokinetics and safety of high‐dose oral acyclovir for suppression of cytomegalovirus disease after renal transplantation
Author(s) -
Fletcher Courtney V,
Chinnock Barbara J,
Chace Beverly,
Balfour Henry H
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1038/clpt.1988.131
Subject(s) - pharmacokinetics , medicine , transplantation , cytomegalovirus , pharmacology , adverse effect , renal function , human cytomegalovirus , kidney transplantation , placebo , clinical pharmacology , urology , herpesviridae , viral disease , immunology , virus , pathology , alternative medicine
The pharmacokinetics and safety of high‐dose oral acyclovir for suppression of cytomegalovirus disease were evaluated in 12 patients undergoing renal transplantation. A 12‐week course beginning 24 hours before transplantation was administered in doses of 800 to 3200 mg/day based on renal function. Acyclovir plasma concentrations were measured by RIA on posttransplant days 1 or 2 and 5, 6, or 7. Mean peak and trough concentrations on days 5, 6, or 7 were 25 and 18 μmol/L, respectively. The pharmacokinetic model predicted acyclovir concentrations with a precision of 4.1 μmol/L and bias of —1.19 μmol/L. Estimates of individual pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent with literature and a priori values. Two of six adverse events were attributable to acyclovir; both resolved with dose modification. The dosage adjustment scheme and pharmacokinetic model performed well, allowing us to safely administer high‐dose oral acyclovir immediately after renal transplantation. We are proceeding with a placebo‐controlled study to assess efficacy for suppression of posttransplant cytomegalovirus disease. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1988) 44 , 158–163; doi: 10.1038/clpt.1988.131