Abstract
AIM:
A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using plasma concentration data (n = 7025) from 380 patients to examine the relationship between ribavirin dose and its pharmacokinetics.
METHODS:
Ribavirin pharmacokinetics were described by a three-compartment model with sequential zero-order and a first-order absorption processes. Interoccasion variability and food effects were included.
RESULTS:
Lean body weight (range 41-91 kg) was the only covariate with a clinically significant influence on ribavirin pharmacokinetics, affecting clearance (15.3-23.9 l h(-1)) and the volume of the larger peripheral compartment.
CONCLUSION:
The model provided a good description of the available data, confirmed by accurate estimates of parameter values and low residual variability (17%).