Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Tailoring Teicoplanin Regimens for Normal Renal Function Patients Using Population Pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo Simulation

Pharmaceutics. 2024 Apr 5;16(4):499. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040499.

Abstract

In patients with normal renal function, significant teicoplanin dose adjustments are often necessary. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for teicoplanin in healthy adults and use it to recommend optimal dosage regimens for patients with normal renal function. PK samples were obtained from 12 subjects and analyzed using a population approach. The derived parameters informed Monte Carlo simulations for dosing recommendations. The PK profile was best described using a three-compartment model, in which the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated via the CKD-EPI equation and adjusted for body surface area was identified as a significant covariate affecting total clearance. For pathogens with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/L, a loading dose (LD) of 14 mg/kg administered every 12 h for four doses, followed by a maintenance dose (MD) of 16 mg/kg administered every 24 h, is recommended. These findings indicate the need for dosage adjustments, such as increasing the LD and MD or decreasing the dosing interval of MD in patients with normal renal function. Because of the long half-life of teicoplanin and the requirement for long-term administration, therapeutic drug monitoring at strategic intervals is important to avoid nephrotoxicity associated with elevated trough concentrations.

Keywords: Monte Carlo simulation; adult; healthy; noncompartmental analysis; norma renal function; population pharmacokinetics; teicoplanin.