A Review of the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporin

Abstract

This papers provides a review of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of Cyclosporin A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressant that has been effectively used to prevent graft rejection in transplantation medicine and to treat several autoimmune diseases. The extensive variability of CsA kinetics along with its narrow therapeutic index make regular PK profiling of patients as part of routinely carried out therapeutic drug monitoring very important to ensure safety and efficacy of the treatment. Classical as well as population based PK studies provide information that aid in that regard. It is anticipated that CsA will continue to be extensively used, especially with the emergence of advanced delivery systems which target specific sites of action and reduce its toxicity.