Assessing the viability of long-acting beta(2)-agonists in paediatric asthma patients: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective

作者:Matera Maria Gabriella; Rinaldi Barbara; Calzetta Luigino; Cazzola Mario
来源:Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, 2017, 13(2): 129-136.
DOI:10.1080/17425255.2017.1234604

摘要

Introduction: Long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are still commonly prescribed to asthmatic children. Unfortunately, pediatric LABA use is based primarily on data from adults, despite the fact that children are not simply small adults and the magnitude of changes in dose exposure and/or exposure response may not be solely reflected by differences in body weight. Areas covered: The differences in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of LABAs are described and discussed with reference children and adults. Expert opinion: Data on the PK behavior of LABAs is very limited and there is almost no data on once-daily LABAs available in the pediatric population. We do not believe that this is due to a fundamental lack of information because therapeutic response and adverse effects are more useful for the optimization of beta(2)-agonist treatment than measurement of plasma drug concentrations per se. Nevertheless, population PK-PD studies in children are needed according to the European rules in order to define rational, patient-tailored dosing schemes. Population PK-PD modeling and simulation using non-linear mixed effect modeling should be considered as the preferred tool to develop effective and safe dosing regimens for children because they present an opportunity to analyze sparse and unbalanced datasets, thereby minimizing the burden for each child.

  • 出版日期2017-2