Pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin in subjects with renal impairment and nephrotic syndrome

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of fluvastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, were assessed in subjects with renal impairment and nephrotic syndrome. In a single-center, open-label, parallel-group study, a single dose of fluvastatin 40 mg was administered to subjects (8 per group, n = 48) with nephrotic syndrome (group II), healthy subjects (group I), and subjects with various degrees of renal impairment (groups III to VI). Subjects undergoing hemodialysis received two doses, one 2 days before and one just prior to hemodialysis. Blood samples to determine the PK parameters of fluvastatin were collected from 0 to 12 hours after drug intake. Noncompartmental PK evaluation and statistical analysis (descriptive and ANOVA) were performed. Safety was evaluated and vital signs;were monitored. There was no difference in the PK parameters AUC(0-infinity) and C-max of fluvastatin between healthy subjects and subjects with renal impairment. Fluvastatin was not removed from plasma by hemodialysis. In patients with nephrotic syndrome, the values for AUC(0-infinity) and C-max were less than half of those obtained in the other groups; terminal half-life values, however, were comparable. Fluvastatin;vas well tolerated in all study participants. Only few adverse events of mild to moderate intensity were reported. There were no clinically relevant changes in laboratory parameters in the subjects with renal impairment. Renal impairment did not affect the PK of fluvastatin after a single oral dose. Exposure to fluvastatin was lower in subjects with nephrotic syndrome. Fluvastatin also was well tolerated in subjects with nephrotic syndrome.