Pharmacokinetics of Sublingual Versus Oral Tacrolimus in Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplantation - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.govTacrolimus (Prograf) belongs to a class of medications known as the calcineurin inhibitors. It is a maintenance drug that is used to prevent rejection in kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients. Calcineurin inhibitors display high pharmacokinetic (the body's effects on a drug) variability and necessitate use of blood tests to ensure that adequate drug levels are present to maintain effectiveness and safety. The amount of oral tacrolimus that is absorbed varies in all patient populations studied. Tacrolimus is metabolized or broken down for elimination by the liver and small intestine via cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4, CYP 3A5, and p-glycoprotein enzyme systems. Enzyme activity is affected by several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an individuals genetic make-up and differences in expression may contribute to variations in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. There are number of drug-drug interactions where concomitantly administered medications can increase or decrease this break down of tacrolimus. Early after transplant or at times when tacrolimus cannot be taken by mouth, alternative routes of administration are sought. Although an intravenous (through the vein) product is available, it can be toxic to the kidneys and has been associated with allergic reactions. Studies in lung transplant recipients have utilized sublingual (under the tongue) tacrolimus administration with successful outcomes. Drug delivery via the oral mucosa is an alternative method of systemic drug administration which offers an alternative when oral administration is impractical (gastrointestinal dysmotility, reduced drug absorption, intestinal failure, difficulty in swallowing, or in those with nausea or vomiting).
