Affect Drug Absorption Research Articles

Recent Updates on Interaction Studies and Drug Delivery of Antimalarials with Serum Albumin Proteins.

This review focuses on recent trends in the binding study of various antimalarial agents with serum albumins in detail. Serum albumin has a significant role in the transport of drugs and endogenous ligands. The nature and magnitude of serum albumin and drug interactions have a tremendous impact on the pharmacological behavior and toxicity of that drug. Binding of drug to serum albumin not only controls its free and active concentration, but also provides a reservoir for a long duration of action. This ultimately affects drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Such interaction determines the actual drug efficacy as the drug action can be correlated with the amount of unbound drug. With the advancement in spectroscopic techniques and simulation studies, binding studies play an increasingly important role in biophysical and biomedical science, especially in the field of drug delivery and development. This review assesses the insight we have gained so far to improve drug delivery and discovery of antimalarials on the basis of a plethora of drug-serum protein interaction studies done so far.

Examination of drug removal profiles in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange: A retrospective study.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) eliminates disease-contributing substances but may also affect drug concentrations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prescription drugs removable via TPE by reviewing patient medication histories. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The study included 244 patients undergoing 1087 TPE sessions. Drugs prescribed to patients on TPE days were categorized as "yes" (probably removable), "maybe" (possibly removable), and "no" (unlikely removable) regarding their removability via TPE. Among 3966 prescriptions, 556 (14.0%) were analyzed, with 21.8%, 36.5%, and 41.7% falling into the "yes," "maybe," and "no" categories for removability. Although only 14.0% were categorized, 83.6% of patients received at least one analyzable drug. Among them, 83.8% had at least one potentially removable drug. Real-world data highlights the need for caution in drug treatments during TPE to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes, particularly for specific drugs.

Progress in Epigenetic Modification Regulating Drug Transporters in the Hypoxic Environment

Abstract: Drug transporters are critical factors influencing the pharmacokinetics of drugs under hypoxic conditions. Studies have shown significant changes in drug transporter levels in the hypoxic environment. In addition to being regulated by HIF-1, nuclear receptors, and inflammatory factors, hypoxia can also regulate transporters through epigenetic modifications, thereby affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating drug transporters under hypoxic conditions at high altitudes. In this study, we comprehensively review the effects of hypoxia on drug transporters and epigenetic modifications and explore the regulatory mechanism of epigenetic modifications on drug transporter expression under hypoxic conditions. The aim is to provide a reference for exploring the epigenetic regulation mechanism of drug transporter expression in the hypoxic environment at high altitudes, guide the study of pharmacokinetics, and promote effective and safe medication at high altitudes.

Development of a canine artificial colonic mucus model for drug diffusion studies

Colonic mucus is a key factor in the colonic environment because it may affect drug absorption. Due to the similarity of human and canine gastrointestinal physiology, dogs are an established preclinical species for the assessment of controlled release formulations. Here we report the development of an artificial colonic mucus model to mimic the native canine one. In vitro models of the canine colonic environment can provide insights for early stages of drug development and contribute to the implementation of the 3Rs (refinement, reduction, and replacement) of animal usage in the drug development process. Our artificial colonic mucus could predict diffusion trends observed in native mucus and was successfully implemented in microscopic and macroscopic assays to study macromolecular permeation through the mucus. The traditional Transwell set up was optimized with the addition of a nylon filter to ensure homogenous representation of the mucus barrier in vitro. In conclusion, the canine artificial colonic mucus can be used to study drug permeation across the mucus and its flexibility allows its use in various set ups depending on the nature of the compound under investigation and equipment availability.

Novel approaches to characterize individual drug metabolism and advance precision medicine.

Interindividual variability in drug metabolism can significantly affect drug concentrations in the body and subsequent drug response. Understanding an individual's drug metabolism capacity is important for predicting drug exposure and developing precision medicine strategies. The goal of precision medicine is to individualize drug treatment for patients to maximize efficacy and minimize drug toxicity. While advances in pharmacogenomics have improved our understanding of how genetic variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) affect drug response, non-genetic factors are also known to influence drug metabolism phenotypes. This minireview will discuss approaches beyond pharmacogenetic testing to phenotype DMEs- particularly the cytochrome P450 enzymes- in clinical settings. Several phenotyping approaches have been proposed: traditional approaches include phenotyping with exogenous probe substrates and the use of endogenous biomarkers; newer approaches include evaluating circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and liquid biopsy-derived markers relevant to DME expression and function. The goals of this minireview are to: 1) provide a high-level overview of traditional and novel approaches to phenotype individual drug metabolism capacity; 2) describe how these approaches are being applied or can be applied to pharmacokinetic studies; and 3) discuss perspectives on future opportunities to advance precision medicine in diverse populations. Significance Statement This minireview provides an overview of recent advances in approaches to characterize individual drug metabolism phenotypes in clinical settings. Herein, we highlight the integration of existing pharmacokinetic biomarkers with novel approaches; also discussed are current challenges and existing knowledge gaps. The article concludes with perspectives on the future deployment of a liquid biopsy-informed physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) strategy for patient characterization and precision dosing.

Effects of aqueous extract from Baiyedancong-Oolong tea on cytochrome P450 enzymes activities, P-gp and OATs transport abilities and transcription levels in mice.

Recent studies have been conducted on its influence on drug metabolism and its potential mechanisms, among which the most studies have been focused on CYP3A enzymes. In this study, Baiyedancong Oolong tea (BOT) was processed by freeze- and hot air-drying techniques separately to obtain the aqueous extracts of freeze-and hot-dried BOT (FBOT and HBOT, respectively). High and low doses of FBOT (1463.7 and 292.74 mg/kg/d, respectively) and HBOT (1454.46 mg/kg/d, 290.89, respectively) were administered to mice for 7 days. Aqueous extracts from BOT simultaneously improved liver CYP3A, CYP2E1, and CYP2C37 activities and weakened the transport ability of P-gp and OATs in a dose-dependent manner, thus affecting multiple links of oral drug metabolism in liver, intestinal absorption and metabolism, and renal excretion. Moreover, aqueous extracts from BOT significantly increased the mRNA expressions of liver CYP3A11 and CYP2C37 as well as intestinal CYP3A11. Decreased transcription levels of MDR1 encoding P-gp in small intestine and renal OAT1 and OAT3, which was in the same direction as the regulation of the above enzyme activities and transport capacities. Besides, the transcription level of liver CYP2E1 was weakened, which was inconsistent with its corresponding enzyme activity, suggesting that the increased CYP2E1 activity may be caused by other mechanisms. Daily consumption or high dose administration of BOT and its related products may affect drug absorption, metabolisms, and excretion.

Strain differences in the drug transport capacity of intestinal glucose transporters in Sprague–Dawley versus Wistar rats, C57BL/6J versus Kunming mice

Designing oral drug delivery systems using intestinal glucose transporters (IGTs) may be one of the strategies for improving oral bioavailability of drugs. However, little is known about the biological factors affecting the drug transport capacity of IGTs. Gastrodin is a sedative drug with a structure very similar to glucose. It is a highly water-soluble phenolic glucoside. It can hardly enter the intestine through simple diffusion but exhibits good oral bioavailability of over 80%. We confirmed that gastrodin is absorbed via the intestinal glucose transport pathway. It has the highest oral bioavailability among the reported glycosides’ active ingredients through this pathway. Thus, gastrodin is the most selective drug substrate of IGTs and can be used to evaluate the drug transport capacity of IGTs. Obviously, strain is one of the main biological factors affecting drug absorption. This study firstly compared the drug transport capacity of IGTs between SD rats and Wistar rats and between C57 mice and KM mice by pharmacokinetic experiments and single-pass intestinal perfusion experiments of gastrodin. Then, the sodium-dependent glucose transporter type 1 (SGLT1) and sodium-independent glucose transporters type 2 (GLUT2) in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon of these animals were quantified using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The results showed that the oral bioavailability of gastrodin in Wistar rats was significantly higher than in SD rats and significantly higher in KM mice than in C57 mice. Gastrodin absorption significantly differed among different intestinal segments in SD rats, C57 mice and KM mice, except Wistar rats. RT-qPCR and Western blot demonstrated that the intestinal expression distribution of SGLT1 and GLUT2 in SD rats and C57 mice was duodenum ≈ jejunum > ileum > colon. SGLT1 expression did not differ among different intestinal segments in KM mice, whereas the intestinal expression distribution of GLUT2 was duodenum ≈ jejunum ≈ ileum > colon. However, the expression of SGLT1 and GLUT2 did not differ among different intestinal segments in Wistar rats. It was reported that the intestinal expression distribution of SGLT1 and GLUT2 in humans is duodenum > jejunum > ileum > colon. Hence, the intestinal expression distribution of SGLT1 and GLUT2 of SD rats and C57 mice was more similar to that in humans. In conclusion, the drug transport capacity of IGTs differs in different strains of rats and mice. SD rats and C57 mice are more suitable for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of glycosides’ active ingredients absorbed via the intestinal glucose transport pathway.

Developmental Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics Used in Neonatal ICU: Focus on Preterm Infants.

Neonatal Infections are among the most common reasons for admission to the intensive care unit. Neonatal sepsis (NS) significantly contributes to mortality rates. Empiric antibiotic therapy of NS recommended by current international guidelines includes benzylpenicillin, ampicillin/amoxicillin, and aminoglycosides (gentamicin). The rise of antibacterial resistance precipitates the growth of the use of antibiotics of the Watch (second, third, and fourth generations of cephalosporines, carbapenems, macrolides, glycopeptides, rifamycins, fluoroquinolones) and Reserve groups (fifth generation of cephalosporines, oxazolidinones, lipoglycopeptides, fosfomycin), which are associated with a less clinical experience and higher risks of toxic reactions. A proper dosing regimen is essential for effective and safe antibiotic therapy, but its choice in neonates is complicated with high variability in the maturation of organ systems affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Changes in antibiotic pharmacokinetic parameters result in altered efficacy and safety. Population pharmacokinetics can help to prognosis outcomes of antibiotic therapy, but it should be considered that the neonatal population is heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity is mainly determined by gestational and postnatal age. Preterm neonates are common in clinical practice, and due to the different physiology compared to the full terms, constitute a specific neonatal subpopulation. The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence about the developmental changes (specific for preterm and full-term infants, separately) of pharmacokinetic parameters of antibiotics used in neonatal intensive care units.

Pharmacists And Herbal Medications: Identifying Potential Interactions With Conventional Drugs

Herbal medications, derived from plants, have a long history of use in various cultures for their potential therapeutic effects. They are often perceived as natural and safe alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals. However, many patients incorporate herbal remedies into their daily routines without considering potential interactions with their prescribed medications. Commonly used herbal medications include Echinacea, Ginkgo biloba, St. John's Wort, Turmeric (curcumin), Garlic, Ginseng, and Milk thistle, each with its purported uses. While these herbs have been used for generations, their safety and effectiveness may vary, and not all herbal remedies are supported by robust scientific evidence. Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes when it comes to identifying and managing drug interactions with herbal medications. Their roles include medication review and assessment, risk assessment and evaluation, patient education, communication with healthcare providers, and meticulous documentation and record-keeping. Interactions between herbal medications and conventional drugs can affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Pharmacists assess these interactions based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors, considering individual patient characteristics, medication importance, scientific evidence, and more. They educate patients about the risks and benefits of combining herbal and conventional treatments, empowering them to make informed choices. Pharmacists also communicate effectively with healthcare teams, provide valuable information, and report adverse events to regulatory agencies. Medication reconciliation during transitions of care, such as hospital admissions and discharges, ensures treatment continuity and patient safety. Documentation and record-keeping are crucial for maintaining accurate medication profiles, documenting assessments, and adhering to legal requirements. In summary, pharmacists play a pivotal role in recognizing, assessing, and managing potential interactions between herbal medications and conventional drugs. Their expertise ensures patient safety, effective treatment, and well-informed healthcare decisions in this complex landscape of healthcare.

The Implementation of Pharmacogenetics in the United Kingdom.

There is considerable inter-individual variability in the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical interventions. This phenomenon can be attributed to a multitude of factors; however, it is widely acknowledged that common genetic variation affecting drug absorption or metabolism play a substantial contributory role. This is a concept known as pharmacogenetics. Understanding how common genetic variants influence responses to medications, and using this knowledge to inform prescribing practice, could yield significant advantages for both patients and healthcare systems. Some health services around the world have introduced pharmacogenetics into routine practice, whereas others are less advanced along the implementation pathway. This chapter introduces the field of pharmacogenetics, the existing body of evidence, and discusses barriers to implementation. The chapter will specifically focus on efforts to introduce pharmacogenetics in the NHS, highlighting key challenges related to scale, informatics, and education.

Hydroxyurea Pharmacokinetics and Fetal Hemoglobin Response in Ugandan Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Introduction Over 300,000 infants are born with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Africa every year, and the under-5 mortality of this population is estimated to be 50-90% without treatment. Hydroxyurea is a safe, oral medication that decreases morbidity and mortality in SCA by increasing protective fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production and reducing inflammation. Hydroxyurea dosing to maximum tolerated dose (MTD) offers the optimal treatment with greatest laboratory responses and clinical benefits. Patients have variable hydroxyurea absorption and elimination rates, so the traditional approach to determining MTD is through incremental dose escalation to achieve mild myelosuppression and reduction in absolute neutrophil count (ANC). In the United States, pharmacokinetic (PK)-guided dosing of hydroxyurea for children with SCA has been shown to decrease time to MTD and to augment treatment responses, with most patients achieving over 30% HbF. Maximizing clinical benefits and minimizing logistical burdens of dosing hydroxyurea would be advantageous for areas with high SCA prevalence, but PK parameters of African children with SCA who might have higher rates of malnutrition, infections, and organ damage that affect drug absorption, distribution, and clearance are yet to be determined. Here we describe hydroxyurea PK exposure-response in Ugandan children with SCA from the Optimizing Hydroxyurea Therapy in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia In Malaria Endemic Areas: The NOHARM MTD Study (NOHARM MTD, NCT03128515). Methods NOHARM MTD was a randomized controlled trial that compared dosing strategies between hydroxyurea at fixed, weight-based dosing (~20 mg/kg/day) and dose escalation to MTD in children with SCA living in Uganda. NOHARM MTD participants underwent PK testing after 18 months of treatment. Children were administered their prescribed hydroxyurea dose in the morning at clinic, and blood was obtained by fingerstick using Mitra® microsampler devices after 20, 60, and 180 minutes. The microsampler devices were frozen at -80C in Uganda and then transported to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for analysis of hydroxyurea concentration via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Using our previously published population PK model, individual hydroxyurea exposures expressed as area-under-the-curve (AUC) were generated by Bayesian estimation using the PK modeling software NONMEM (Version 7.5, ICON Development Solutions, Ellicott City, USA). A hydroxyurea exposure-response analysis was completed with HbF% as the primary pharmacodynamic outcome. Results A total of 90 NOHARM MTD participants completed PK testing; samples from 12 were excluded from full analysis due to an elevated baseline concentration suggesting the participant already received the daily hydroxyurea dose before PK testing (9), supraphysiologic concentration (1), or mislabeling (2). PK profiles were analyzed for the remaining 78 participants (mean age 6.5 years, SD 0.9); of these, 41 were on fixed dose hydroxyurea and 37 were at MTD with mean doses of 18.7 mg/kg/day (SD 1.6) and 28.3 mg/kg/day (SD 4.3), respectively (Table). Those at MTD had a higher AUC with a significantly higher %HbF (mean 19% HbF on fixed dose vs 29% at MTD, p=0.0002) and lower ANC (mean 4.7 x109/L at fixed dose vs 3.2 at MTD, p=0.0045). Eighteen participants (23%) had malnutrition with a body mass index Z-score less than -1.0, and 12 (15%) participants had renal hyperfiltration with an estimated glomerular filtration rate over 150 mL/min/1.73m2; neither condition was associated with differences in AUC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of collecting hydroxyurea PK data with timed, sparse sampling in Uganda, and the exposure-response analysis confirms that higher hydroxyurea exposure in Ugandan children with SCA is associated with greater induction of protective HbF and reduction in ANC. Malnutrition and glomerular hyperfiltration did not affect hydroxyurea exposure in this cohort. Further studies of PK-guided dosing to optimize response and time to response in this population are needed. Future directions include building capacity for local analysis of hydroxyurea concentrations using HPLC technology, real-time dose calculation via a PK model-informed algorithm, and prospective evaluation of PK-guided dosing. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Transporters in Regulatory Science: Notable Contributions from Dr. Giacomini in the Past Two Decades.

Transporters govern the access of molecules to cells or their exit from cells, thereby controlling the overall distribution of drugs to their intracellular site of action. Clinically relevant drug-drug interactions mediated by transporters are of increasing interest in drug development. Drug transporters, acting alone or in concert with drug metabolizing enzymes, can play an important role in modulating drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, thus affecting the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of a drug. Dr. Kathy Giacomini from the University of California, San Francisco is one of the world leaders in transporters and pharmacogenetics with key contributions to transporter science. Her contributions to transporter science are noteworthy. This review paper will summarize Dr. Giacomini's key contributions and influence on transporters in regulatory science in the past two decades. Regulatory science research highlighted in this review covers various aspects of transporter science including understanding the effect of renal impairment on transporters, transporter ontogeny, biomarkers for transporters, and interactions of excipients with transporters affecting drug absorption. Significance Statement This review paper highlights Dr. Giacomini's key contributions and influence on transporters in regulatory science in the past two decades. She has been at the cutting edge of science pertaining to drug transport, drug disposition, and regulatory science, leading to new era of translational sciences pertaining to drug disposition and transporter biology. Her research has and will continue to bring enormous impact on gaining new knowledge in guiding drug development and inspire scientists from all sectors in the field.

A phase 1 dose-finding and dose-expansion study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of a highly selective WEE1 inhibitor (Debio 0123) in adult patients with advanced solid tumors.

TPS2702 Background: Debio 0123 is an oral, highly selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase WEE1. WEE1 is a key regulator of cell cycle progression that modulates the activity of CDK1 (CDC2), influencing entry into mitosis. WEE1 inhibition results in G2 checkpoint abrogation, triggering mitosis with unrepaired DNA leading to cell death. In vitro and in vivo tumor models have shown Debio 0123 antitumor activity. Continuous exposure seems to be needed to maximize monotherapy efficacy in preclinical models. Preliminary data from an ongoing phase 1 study of intermittent Debio 0123 combined with carboplatin, showed a manageable safety profile, and signals of antitumor activity in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. We present the design of a phase 1 study (NCT05109975) of continuous Debio 0123 administered as a single agent in pts with advanced solid tumors. Methods: The study comprises a dose escalation part and a dose expansion part. The primary objective of the dose escalation part of the study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of continuous Debio 0123 monotherapy in adults with previously treated advanced solid tumors. Key secondary objectives include characterization of safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary antitumor activity (overall response rate [ORR]). Key inclusion criteria are histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors, and ECOG-PS 0 or 1. Key exclusion criteria are asymptomatic or unstable brain metastases, history of cardiac disorders, inability to swallow oral medication or abnormalities affecting drug absorption. Approximately 30 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)-evaluable pts are anticipated to be enrolled based on an escalation with overdose control (EWOC) approach for 21-day treatment cycles. When the pts of each cohort become evaluable, a safety monitoring committee will review safety and tolerability and based on EWOC recommendations will decide the next dose level or will declare the MTD and/or RP2D. Pharmacodynamic biomarkers will be correlated with tumor response and/or PK. The dose-expansion part may start after MTD and/or RP2D determination. The primary objective of this part will be to characterize the safety and tolerability (e.g. percentage of pts with DLTs, serious adverse events or discontinuations) of Debio 0123 monotherapy at the MTD/RP2D, and to evaluate the anti-tumor activity (ORR) in pts with selected recurrent/progressive solid tumors. Key inclusion criteria are measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 and specific tumor types. Based on a Simon 2-stage design, up to 34 pts per tumor type cohort may be enrolled. Currently accrual to the dose escalation is ongoing in the United States and Switzerland. Clinical trial information: NCT05109975.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen: the Influence of Body Composition, Formulation and Feeding in Healthy Adult Volunteers.

Background and ObjectiveCombined acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Formulation and feeding affect drug absorption. Drug clearance has a nonlinear relationship with total body weight. The covariate effect of fat mass on acetaminophen and ibuprofen pharmacokinetics remains unexplored. This study sought to quantify acetaminophen and ibuprofen pharmacokinetics with intravenous, tablet, sachet and oral suspension formulations in fed and fasted states.MethodsPooled time–concentration data for acetaminophen and ibuprofen were available from fasting and fed healthy adults. Data from intravenous, tablet, sachet and suspension formulations were analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects models. Body composition was considered as a covariate on clearances and volumes of distribution (Vd). Size metrics investigated were total body weight, fat and fat-free mass. Theory-based allometry was used to scale pharmacokinetic parameters to a 70 kg individual. A factor on absorption half-life and lag time quantified delays due to feeding for oral formulations. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic simulations were used to explore the time courses of pain response for acetaminophen and ibuprofen for each formulation.ResultsPooled data included 116 individuals (18–49 years, 49–116 kg) with 6095 acetaminophen and 6046 ibuprofen concentrations available for analysis. A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with first-order elimination described disposition for both drugs. Normal fat mass was the best covariate to describe acetaminophen clearance (CL), with a factor for fat contribution (FFATCL) of 0.816. Acetaminophen volume of distribution was described using total body weight. Normal fat mass was the best covariate to describe ibuprofen clearance (FFATCL = 0.863) and volume of distribution: (FFATV = 0.718). Clearance and central volume of distribution were 24.0 L/h/70 kg and 43.5 L/h/70 kg for acetaminophen. Ibuprofen clearance and central volume of distribution were 3.79 L/h/70 kg and 10.5 L/h/70 kg. Bioavailability and absorption half-life were 86% and 12 min for acetaminophen and 94% and 27 min for ibuprofen. Absorption lag times were 5.3 min and 6.7 min for acetaminophen and ibuprofen, respectively. Feeding increased both absorption half-life and absorption lag time when compared to the tablet formulation under fasting conditions. Feeding had the most pronounced effect on the lag time associated with tablet formulation for both drugs. Time to a pain score reduction of 2 points (visual analogue score, 0–10) differed by only 5–10 min across all formulations for acetaminophen and ibuprofen.ConclusionFat mass was an important covariate to describe acetaminophen and ibuprofen pharmacokinetics. The absorption half-lives of acetaminophen and ibuprofen were increased in fed states. The delay in absorption, quantified by a lag time, was protracted for both drugs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13318-022-00766-9.

Are Antibiotics Appropriately Dosed in Critically Ill Patients with Augmented Renal Clearance? A Narrative Review

Aims Augmented renal clearance (ARC), which is commonly defined as increased renal clearance above 130 ml/min/1.73 m2, is a common phenomenon among critically ill patients. The increased elimination rate of drugs through the kidneys in patients with ARC can increase the risk of treatment failure due to the exposure to subtherapeutic serum concentrations of medications and affect the optimal management of infections, length of hospital stay, and outcomes. The main goal of this review article is to summarize the recommendations for appropriate dosing of antibiotics in patients with ARC. Methods This article is a narrative review of the articles that evaluated different dosing regimens of antibiotics in patients with ARC. The keywords “Augmented Renal Clearance,” “Critically ill patients,” “Drug dosing,” “Serum concentration,” “Beta-lactams,” “Meropenem,” “Imipenem,” “Glycopeptide,” “Vancomycin,” “Teicoplanin,” “Linezolid,” “Colistin,” “Aminoglycosides,” “Amikacin,” “Gentamycin,” “Fluoroquinolones,” “Ciprofloxacin,” and “Levofloxacin” were searched in Scopus, Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, and pediatric, nonhuman, and non-English studies were excluded. Results PK properties of antibiotics including lipophilicity or hydrophilicity, protein binding, the volume of distribution, and elimination rate that affect drug concentration should be considered along with PD parameters for drug dosing in critically ill patients with ARC. Conclusion This review recommends a dosing protocol for some antibiotics to help the appropriate dosing of antibiotics in ARC and decrease the risk of subtherapeutic exposure that may be observed while receiving conventional dosing regimens in critically ill patients with ARC.

Development of best practices in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to support clinical pharmacology regulatory decision-making-A workshop summary.

Development of best practices in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to support clinical pharmacology regulatory decision-making-A workshop summary.

Fasting state is one of the factors associated with plasma levodopa fluctuations during levodopa‒carbidopa intestinal gel treatment

IntroductionSome patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) undergoing levodopa‒carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment experience motor fluctuations in the afternoon. The migrating motor complex, a specific periodic migrating contraction pattern occurring in the stomach and small intestine during the fasting state, can affect drug absorption. We aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters between two conditions (with and without lunch) and assessed the influence of the fasting state on the levodopa pharmacokinetics in LCIG treatment. MethodsWe evaluated the levodopa pharmacokinetics from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in 10 LCIG-treated PD patients in the presence and absence of lunch. ResultsThe maintenance dose of LCIG correlated strongly with the mean plasma concentration of levodopa in the absence (r = 0.94, coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.89, p < 0.001) or presence of lunch (r = 0.96, R2 = 0.93, p < 0.001). Comparison of the pharmacokinetic parameters revealed that the coefficient of variation was significantly greater in the condition without lunch than in the condition with lunch (p = 0.004): 16.73% (4.88%) without lunch and 9.22% (3.80%) with lunch. There were no significant differences in the mean plasma concentration of levodopa (p = 0.49) and area under the plasma concentration‒time curve (p = 0.27) between the two conditions. ConclusionsPlasma concentrations of levodopa fluctuated more in patients undergoing LCIG treatment without than with lunch. Our results indicate that a small amount of food intake may be a better corrective approach for worsening of symptoms in the fasting state rather than additional levodopa.

Recent Advances in the Excipients Used for Modified Ocular Drug Delivery.

In ocular drug delivery, maintaining an efficient concentration of the drug in the target area for a sufficient period of time is a challenging task. There is a pressing need for the development of effective strategies for drug delivery to the eye using recent advances in material sciences and novel approaches to drug delivery. This review summarizes the important aspects of ocular drug delivery and the factors affecting drug absorption in the eye including encapsulating excipients (chitosan, hyaluronic acid, poloxamer, PLGA, PVCL-PVA-PEG, cetalkonium chloride, and gelatin) for modified drug delivery.

Anticoagulation outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism following Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer: Single center experience.

e16255 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). Incidence of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding is 14%-20% in patients with cancer who receive anticoagulation therapy (AT). Whipple procedure is a complex surgical intervention offering potential cure in patients with resectable PC; however, surgery can affect drug absorption, which may reduce effectiveness of AT or exacerbate drug related adverse events. Our aim was to assess incidence of bleeding in PC patients who had whipple procedure with subsequent VTE. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records for all adult patients with PC who underwent whipple procedure and developed VTE (between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2020) at Henry Ford Hospital was performed. Multiple variables and outcomes were analyzed by two-group comparisons, univariate analysis, and Cox regression. Results: A total of 32 patients were included in the analysis. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 67.4 (11 y) years, 16 (50%) patients were men, and 16 (50%) were women, (20 [63%] White; 11 [34%] Black; 1 [3%] Asian). The median Khorana score was 3 (range, 2–4). Of the 32 patients, 6 (19%) had upper extremity VTE, 11 (34%) had lower extremity VTE, 10 (31%) had a pulmonary embolism, 7 (22%) had intra-abdominal VTE, and 7 (22%) had recurrent VTE. All patients with upper extremity VTE had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or a venous port at the time of VTE diagnosis. Most of the patients (28 or 88%) received AT. Whereas 13 (41%) patients had at least one bleeding episode, 19 (59%) had no bleeding. Twenty-two (68%) patients did not need PRBC transfusion, while 4 (13%) patients required &gt; 4 units packed red blood cell transfusion. No significant association between bleeding and AT was observed ( p = .590). Patients with a bleeding event had lower hemoglobin levels ( p = .030) and were more likely to receive blood transfusion ( p = .005). Cox regression analysis did not show patient age, ethnicity, type of AT used, recurrent VTE, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment to be significantly associated with bleeding or death. A total of 14 (44%) patients were alive at the time of analysis. Conclusions: In patients with PC and VTE who received AT after whipple procedure, the incidence of bleeding was higher than what has been reported in patients with cancer in general, regardless of type of AT administration. Patients with central venous catheters might be at increased risk of upper extremity VTE and this subset of patients may benefit from various risk reducing strategies. Caution is recommended while managing AT in this complex patient population, and more studies are needed to assess factors specifically associated with AT and bleeding after whipple procedure.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Considerations in Relation to Calcineurin Usage in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients.

This review summarizes how possible age-related changes in tacrolimus and cyclosporine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may influence drug dosing and monitoring in the elderly, and highlights how micro-sampling may be useful in this cohort in the future. Advancing biological age leads to physiological changes that can affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, as well as immune system responsiveness. Some studies have shown that elderly recipients may have higher dose-adjusted exposure and/or lower clearance of the calcineurin inhibitors, suggesting that doses may need to be lowered in elderly recipients. Only one study has examined how aging effects drug target enzyme activity and demonstrated that age does not correlate with the calcineurin inhibitor half-maximal inhibitory concentration. Several studies have shown elderly kidney transplant recipients have increased risk of both morbidity and mortality, compared to younger adults due to increased susceptibility to immunosuppressant side effects, particularly cardiovascular disease, infection and malignancy. Current immunosuppressant dosing and monitoring protocols often make no adjustments for age. Lower maintenance immunosuppressant targets in elderly recipients may decrease patient susceptibility to drug side effects, however, further studies are required and appropriate targets need to be established. Blood draw by micro-sampling may be useful for drug monitoring in this cohort in the future, as blood collection is minimally invasive and less painful than venepuncture. Micro-sampling could also make further pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and outcome studies in the elderly more feasible.