Population pharmacokinetics of antibacterial agents in the older population: a literature review

Hui-Xin Liu, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Bo-Hao Tang, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
John van den Anker, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Guo-Xiang Hao, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Wei Zhao, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Yi Zheng, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

Expert review of clinical pharmacology

Volume

17

Issue

1

DOI

10.1080/17512433.2023.2295009

Keywords

Antibacterial agents; NONMEM; individualized treatment; older individuals; population pharmacokinetics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Older individuals face an elevated risk of developing bacterial infections. The optimal use of antibacterial agents in this population is challenging because of age-related physiological alterations, changes in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), and the presence of multiple underlying diseases. Therefore, population pharmacokinetics (PPK) studies are of great importance for optimizing individual treatments and prompt identification of potential risk factors. AREA COVERED: Our search involved keywords such as 'elderly,' 'old people,' and 'geriatric,' combined with 'population pharmacokinetics' and 'antibacterial agents.' This comprehensive search yielded 11 categories encompassing 28 antibacterial drugs, including vancomycin, ceftriaxone, meropenem, and linezolid. Out of 127 studies identified, 26 (20.5%) were associated with vancomycin, 14 (11%) with meropenem, and 14 (11%) with piperacillin. Other antibacterial agents were administered less frequently. EXPERT OPINION: PPK studies are invaluable for elucidating the characteristics and relevant factors affecting the PK of antibacterial agents in the older population. Further research is warranted to develop and validate PPK models for antibacterial agents in this vulnerable population.

Department

Pediatrics

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