A single dose of ursodiol does not affect cyclosporine absorption in liver transplant patients

Abstract

Objective: To study the possible influence of ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid), a hydrophilic bile acid, on cyclosporine (CsA) bioavailability.

Methods:

Seven adult liver transplant recipients participated in a randomised cross-over pharmacokinetic study comparing ursodiol (600 mg) with placebo in single doses. Blood concentrations of CsA were measured by HPLC.

Results:

There was no significant effect of ursodiol on CsA absorption: AUC was 5011 vs 5486 ng⋅h⋅ml^–1, C_max was 832 vs 871 ng⋅ml^–1 and t_max was 2 vs 2 h, after ursodiol and placebo, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although a significant period effect was observed, we conclude that a single dose of ursodiol has little effect on CsA absorption in liver transplant patients and that an interaction in the intestinal lumen between these two drugs is unlikely.