Year: 1988
Type: article
Abstract: Leading articlesLiver disease has a profound and unpredictable effect on drug kinetics.Unfortunately, there are relatively few detailed studies of antimicrobials and the majority of illustrations of genera] principles are drawn from other drug classes.It must be emphasized at the outset that alteration in pharmacokinetics is not a major cause of toxicity with these agents and that the most serious adverse reactions to drugs in patients with liver disease are due to precipitation of coma by sedatives, by drugs that affect salt and water homoeostasis and by drugs that cause gastrointestinal haemorrhage.The mechanisms for increased adverse drug reactions in patients with liver disease are not always clear (Secor & Schenker, 1987).For example, nephrotoxiaty from aminoglycosides appears to be potentiated by liver disease although they are excreted almost entirely by renal processes (Cabrera et al., 1982; Moore, Smith & lietman, 1986).It is important to consider wherever possible the pharmacodynamic properties of drugs in liver disease and not just the alteration in pharmacokinetics.
DOI: 10.1093/jac/21.1.1
Author: P. G. Davey
Institution: Ninewells Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2037300555