A pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic study of efavirenz in children: dosing guidelines can result in subtherapeutic concentrations.

Background: Our main objectives were to study the population pharmacokinetics of efavirenz and to explore the adequacy of dosing guidelines.

Methods: A total of 33 HIV-1-infected patients were recruited from the Emma Children's Hospital (Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Gender, age, drug formulation, the presence of the c.516G>T polymorphism in the CYP2B6 gene and the quantitation of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase at baseline were collected. A non-linear mixed effect pharmacokinetic model was developed.

Results: CYP2B6 genotype and drug formulation significantly influenced efavirenz pharmacokinetics. Clearance was 29.7% lower in children carrying the CYP2B6-516-G/T genotype compared with children carrying the G/G genotype. Relative bioavailiability of the oral liquid compared with tablets or capsules was 46.6%. Children carrying the CYP2B6-516-G/G genotype had a 50-70% probability of developing a subtherapeutic trough level of efavirenz and only 1-3% probability of developing a trough level >4 mg/l. To reduce the probability of developing a subtherapeutic trough concentration, we propose to give an adult efavirenz dose to children weighing > or =25 kg and to allometrically scale doses for other weight levels a priori. The dose of the oral solution should be twice the dose of capsules.

Conclusions: Population pharmacokinetics of efavirenz in children were adequately described. Current dosing guidelines can result in subtherapeutic concentrations in children carrying the CYP2B6-516-G/G genotype and with the liquid formulation. A priori dose adaptations in the paediatric population seem feasible and need prospective validation.