Predicting plasma olanzapine concentration following a change in dosage : a population pharmacokinetic study

Abstract

Introduction: Due to high inter-individual variability in peripheral pharmacokinetic parameters, dosing of antipsychotics currently relies on clinical trial-and-error, and predicting antipsychotic plasma concentrations before changing a dose has been a challenge.

Methods: Patients with schizophrenia receiving a stable dose of olanzapine were included. 2 plasma samples were collected at 2 given time points for the measurement of plasma olanzapine concentrations. At least 7 days after a dosage change of olanzapine, a third sample was collected. The plasma concentration of the third sample was predicted in a blinded fashion using a mixed-effects model with NONMEM®, using the following information: the 2 baseline plasma concentrations, the interval between the last dose and blood draw, and clinical and demographic information.

Results: 31 subjects (mean±SD age=56.0±11.6; 19 men) were enrolled. The mean prediction (95% confidence interval) errors were 1.6 (−2.8 to 6.0) ng/mL. A highly significant correlation was observed between the observed and predicted concentrations of the third sample (r=0.91, p<0.001).

Discussion: Plasma olanzapine concentrations following an actual dosage change can be predicted in advance with a high degree of certainty.