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. 1991 Feb;31(2):185–187. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1991.tb05511.x

Pharmacokinetics of metoclopramide in patients with liver cirrhosis.

E Magueur 1, H Hagege 1, P Attali 1, E Singlas 1, J P Etienne 1, A M Taburet 1
PMCID: PMC1368389  PMID: 2049236

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of metoclopramide were investigated after intravenous and oral administration in eight patients with severe alcoholic cirrhosis and in eight healthy volunteers. As a consequence of a 50% lower clearance (0.16 +/- 0.07 vs 0.34 +/- 0.09 l h-1 kg-1, plasma drug concentrations and the half-life of metoclopramide were greater in patients following both routes of drug administration. Volume of distribution (3.1 +/- 0.8 vs 3.4 +/- 1.2 l kg-1) and absolute bioavailability (79 +/- 19 vs 84 +/- 15%) were similar in the two groups. The adverse effects of metoclopramide observed in patients with marked hepatic impairment are likely to result from increased accumulation of the drug as a result of impaired clearance. Consequently a reduction in dose of 50% is recommended in patients with severe liver cirrhosis.

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Selected References

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