Steady-state pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in Chinese HIV-infected patients

Background The pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (AZT) are possibly influenced by weight, age, sex, liver and renal functions, severity of disease, and ethnicity. Currently, little information is available on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of AZT in Chinese HIV-infected patients. The current study aimed to characterize the steady-state pharmacokinetics of AZT in a Chinese set-up. Methods Eleven Chinese HIV-infected patients were involved in the steady-state pharmacokinetic study. In total, 300 mg of AZT, as a part of combination therapy, was given to patients, and serial blood samples were collected for 12 hours. The samples were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay, and the results were analyzed by both the non-compartment model and the one-compartment model. Results The C-max of AZT in Chinese patients was higher than that in non-Asian patients. The half-life of AZT, analyzed by the non-compartment model (P=0.02), in male patients ((1.02 +/- 0.22) hours) was shorter than that of AZT in female patients ((1.55 +/- 0.29) hours). The AZT clearance, analyzed by the one-compartment model (P=0.045), in male patients ((262.60 +/- 28.13) L/h) was higher than that in female patients ((195.85 +/- 60.51) L/h). Conclusion The present study provides valuable information for the clinical practice of AZT-based highly active antiretroviral therapy in a Chinese set-up. Chin Med J 2012;125(11):1931-1935