This study aimed to identify factors that significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in Thai adults with hematologic diseases, and to determine optimal voriconazole dosing regimens. Blood samples were collected at steady state in 65 patients (237 concentrations) who were taking voriconazole to prevent or treat invasive aspergillosis. The data were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to optimize dosage regimens. Data were fitted with the one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. The apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 3.43 L/h, the apparent volume of distribution (V/F) was 47.6 L, and the absorption rate constant (Ka) was fixed at 1.1 h-1. Albumin and omeprazole ≥ 40 mg/day were found to significantly influence CL/F. The simulation produced the following recommended maintenance doses of voriconazole: 50, 100, and 200 mg every 12 h for albumin levels of 1.5-3, 3.01-4, and 4.01-4.5 g/dL, respectively, in patients who receive omeprazole ≤ 20 mg/day. Patients who receive omeprazole ≥ 40 mg/day and who have serum albumin level 1.5-3 and 3.01-4.5 g/dL should receive voriconazole 50 and 100 mg, every 12 h, respectively. Albumin level and omeprazole dosage should be carefully considered when determining the appropriate dosage of voriconazole in Thai patients.
Keywords: Thai patients; albumin; omeprazole; population pharmacokinetics; voriconazole.