ABSTRACT
The effect of moderate alcoholic liver cirrhosis, in nondiabetic patients, on the kinetics of a single oral dose [5 mg] of the hypoglycemic sulfonylurea agent, glipizide [GPZ], was investigated. The results were compared with those reported for healthy subjects and diabetic patients. The study revealed that there was no significant alteration in the pharmacokinetics profile of GPZ under moderate liver cirrhosis. However, in one patient, who had moderate cirrhosis accompanied by fibrosis, there was a marked increase in half-life [2.4 v 8.6 h] and AUC [3710 v 13171 nmol L -1 h] and large reduction in clearance [2.96 v 0.83 L h -1] when compared with a matching healthy subject. The results suggested that liver fibrosis may contribute to alteration in the kinetics of GPZ