Continuous infusion of methylprednisolone via paediatric parenteral nutrition: a pharmacokinetic animal study

Abstract

Background & aims: The aim of our study consisted to measure the pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone administered in a continuous infusion of a paediatric parenteral nutrition mixture for 24h in the rabbit.

Methods: Fourteen rabbits were split into two groups and assigned a different administration vehicle (all-in-one or two-in-one nutrition mixture). We used USC PACK* pharmacokinetics software to compare the influence of the composition of the paediatric parenteral nutritional solutions on the values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone.

Results: Neither the steady-state plasma concentrations of methylprednisolone hemisuccinate nor the values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone differed significantly when administered in two-in-one or all-in-one nutrition mixtures.

Conclusions: The composition of the nutritional medium had no discernable effect on the bioavailability of methylprednisolone. Neither the speed at which the steady-state plasma concentration was reached, nor the values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone were significantly modified.