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Pharmacokinetics of cimetidine in advanced cirrhosis

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Summary

The effect of impaired liver function on the pharmacokinetics of cimetidine was studied in 8 patients with advanced cirrhosis given single doses of 100 mg i.v. and 400 mg p.o. on separate days. Compared to a control group of 10 healthy volunteers, the total renal and nonrenal clearance was significantly reduced in the cirrhotic patients; (total plasma clearance mean ± SD) 356±181 vs 789±262 ml/min (p<0.01); renal clearance (Clr) 296±100 vs 588±181 ml/min (p<0.01) and nonrenal clearance (Clnr) 97±111 vs 205±89 ml/min (p<0.05). Compared to published results for age-matched ulcer patients, both total and nonrenal clearance were lower whereas renal clearance was within the reported normal range. A significant reduction in volume of distribution (V) was found, from 2.1±0.1 l/kg in controls to 1.0±0.4l/kg, and in the patient group there was a significant correlation between V and total plasma clearance (r=0.72, p<0.05). Volume of distribution in steady state (Vdss) did not differ from published results in age-matched controls. No significant change in half-life was found. Bioavailability, estimated by AUC-measurement, showed considerable patient variability (21–143%), with a mean of 70±39%. This was lower than in the controls. In contrast, measurement of urinary excretion showed higher bioavailability in the patients (66±23 vs 51±8%). No correlation was found between any of the kinetic parameters and the clinical and laboratory data. It is suggested that patients with advanced cirrhosis should be closely observed when given cimetidine, and a reduction in dose should be concidered if side effects are to be avoided.

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Part of this study has been reported as a “Letter to the Editor”, N Engl J Med (1982): 307, 187

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Grahnén, A., Jameson, S., Lööf, L. et al. Pharmacokinetics of cimetidine in advanced cirrhosis. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 26, 347–355 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00548766

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