Mechanism of ritonavir changes in methadone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: I. Evidence against CYP3A mediation of methadone clearance.

ABSTRACT: Ritonavir diminishes methadone plasma concentrations, an effect attributed to CYP3A induction, but the actual mechanisms are unknown. We determined ritonavir effects on stereoselective methadone pharmacokinetics and clinical effects (pupillary miosis) in healthy human immunodeficiency virus-negative volunteers. Subjects received intravenous plus oral (deuterium-labeled) racemic methadone after no ritonavir, short-term (3-day) ritonavir, and steady-state ritonavir. Acute and steady-state ritonavir, respectively, caused 1.5- and 2-fold induction of systemic and apparent oral R- and S-methadone clearances. Ritonavir increased renal clearance 40-50%, and stereoselectively (S > R) increased hepatic methadone N-demethylation 50-80%, extraction twofold, and clearance twofold. Bioavailability was

SUBMITTER: Kharasch ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3583342 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature