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Biomedical subjects

J M Hansen

Publications and source records attributed to J M Hansen.

219 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Disposition of antipyrine and phenytoin correlated with age and liver volume in man.

The half-life and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of antipyrine and phenytoin were determined in 14 young (mean age: 28.8 +/- 8.3 (SD) years] and in 14 elderly [mean age: 83.5 +/- 7.1 (SD) years] subjects and correlated with liver volume, which was determined by ultrasonic scanning, to see if an age-dependent difference in drug metabolism could be explained by a reduced liver weight with age. The size of the liver was smaller in the elderly subjects even when related to decreased body surface. A significant decrease in serum albumin in the elderly compared with the younger group was also noted. The half-life of antipyrine was significantly longer in the elderly than in the younger group, 756 +/- 318 and 465 +/- 110 minutes, respectively, and the MCR was correspondingly lower in the elderly even when calculated per litre of live volume, 22.8 +/- 7.8 and 36.3 +/- 8.9ml/minute/L liver volume, respectively. No significant differences in the 2 age groups were found in half-life and total clearance of phenytoin, but a reduced free phenytoin clearance was demonstrated in the elderly (240 +/- 92ml/minute/L liver volume) compared with the younger (325 +/- 81ml/minute/L liver volume) group. No significant correlation was found between liver volume and the half-life of antipyrine and phenytoin. However, a significant correlation was demonstrated between liver volume and MCR of antipyrine as well as between total and free clearance of phenytoin. No correlation was found between the half-lives of the 2 drugs, while a significant correlation existed between the clearance values. It is suggested that the age-dependent reduction in drug clearance is due not only to a smaller liver volume, but it also a result of a reduced capacity of the liver microsomes per unit of liver in the elderly. With regard to age-dependent changes in drug metabolism, the protein binding of the actual drug has to be taken into consideration.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical pharmacokinetics of antithyroid drugs.

Organic antithyroid drugs used today include propylthiouracil and the mercaptoimidazolines, carbimazole and methimazole. They can be measured with accuracy and in small quantities in serum by gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and radio-immunoassay. Bioavailability of these drugs varies from 80 to 95%. During absorption carbimazole, which itself is inactive, is completely converted to methimazole. The total volume of distribution is about 40L for methimazole and around 30L for propylthiouracil, which is about 80% protein-bound, while methimazole is virtually non-protein-bound. Drug transfer across the placenta and into breast milk is also higher for the more lipid-soluble methimazole than for propylthiouracil, which is excreted into breast milk only in small quantities so that no harmful effect to the suckling infant is to be expected. Both drugs are concentrated in the thyroid gland, exerting an effect on intrathyroidal iodine metabolism for periods exceeding those in which serum concentrations can be measured. Less than 10% of both drugs is excreted unchanged in the urine, but detailed metabolic pathways are unknown. The half-life of methimazole is 3 to 5 hours with a total clearance of about 200ml/minute. Propylthiouracil has a half-life of 1 to 2 hours with a clearance of around 120ml/min/m2. Some studies have shown an increased rate of metabolism of anti-thyroid drugs in hyperthyroidism, in particular for methimazole. No reliable information exists regarding pharmacokinetics of these agents in renal and hepatic failure or in children. The clearance of propylthiouracil is unchanged in the elderly. Several mechanisms for the inhibiting effect of these agents on intrathyroidal hormone metabolism have been suggested. In contrast to methimazole, propylthiouracil inhibits the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine. Preliminary dose-response studies with propylthiouracil suggest a peak therapeutic serum concentration of above 4 micrograms/ml in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. The choice between the antithyroid drugs is based more upon personal preference and experience than on strict pharmacological principles, as no important differences exist between these drugs with regard to the rate of remission or frequency of occurrence of serious adverse reactions.

Antithyroid Agents↗