FK 506 in small bowel transplant recipients: pharmacokinetics and dosing.

Abstract

FK 506 is currently used as the primary immunosuppressive drug in several small bowel transplant (SBT) recipients.1,2 The pharmacokinetics of FK 506 has been previously reported in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) patients.3 The kinetics and dosage of FK 506 have been compared to that of cyclosporine (CyA)4 and differences in the dosage requirements of FK 506 have been reported in adults and children.5 We have previously reported the IV and oral kinetics of FK 506 in five SBT recipients.6 The aim of the present study is to further evaluate the kinetic parameters and dosage of FK 506 in pediatric and adult SBT recipients in comparison with OLT recipients.