Pharmacokinetics study of mycophenolic acid in early renal transplant patients

Yong-Gang LUO

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of enteric-coated sodium mycophenolate(EC-MPS) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dispersible tablets after multiple oral doses in early renal transplant patients, providing references for the rational use of the study drugs in clinical practice.

METHODS:

Thirty-eight first-time renal transplant patients were selected and randomly divided into EC-MPS group (n=18) or MMF dispersible tablets group (n=19). The patients received EC-MPS (540 mg, q12h) or MMF dispersible tablets (750 mg, q12h), combined with tacrolimus and methylprednisolone to prevent acute rejection, respectively. Blood samples were collected at pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 h after oral administration on the postoperative day 5. Enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) was employed to determine the plasma concentration of MPA. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the two durgs were assessed.

RESULTS:

Pharmacokinetic parameters on the postoperative day 5 of EC-MPS and MMF dispersible tablet were as follows AUC0-12 h were(43.62±16.20) and(42.02±14.40)mg•h•L-1(P>0.05);ρmax were (17.85±11.32) and (13.96±5.11) mg•L-1(P>0.05);tmax were (2.72±1.74) and(1.32±0.42)h(P0.05); ρ12were(1.84±2.09) and (1.81±1.76) mg•L-1(P>0.05); CL were (14.12±5.30) and (19.66±5.99) L•h-1(P<0.05). Most of the patients revealed a second small peak in the 4-12 h after taking MPA in the two study groups.

CONCLUSION:

There are large individual differences of pharmacokinetic between EC-MPS and MMF dispersible tablets in early renal transplant patients. It is necessary to carry out therapeutic drug monitoring of MPA to guide the adjustment of drug dosage.