Investigation on Pharmacokinetics of Meloxicam in Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Considering that dialysis patients are often elderly, the onset risk of gastric mucosa disorder is increased in them. Therefore, the use of a selective cyclooxigenase (COX)-2 inhibitor that is expected to reduce the digestive disorders in the dialysis patients is of great significance. We investigated pharmacokinetics of meloxicam which is a selective COX-2 inhibitor approved in over 100 countries including Japan. Nine renal patients (4 males and 5 females) on hemodialysis were investigated. Single oral administration of meloxicam was conducted after supper the day before dialysis and plasma consentration was determined. The blood was taken at 1 hour, before start of dialysis. The meloxicam concentratio n was analysed by ultrafiltration. The mean plasma meloxicam concentration (meant-SD) at 1 hour before start of dialysis and at 1,4 and 48 hours after the start of dialysis were 541±168 ng/ml,532±153,512± 161,42± 72, respectively. The re sults indicated not significant changes in the plasma concentration at 1 and 4 hours after start of dialysis.