Cyclosporine trough levels in renal graft recipients.

Blood Trough Levels (TL) of cyclosporine (CyA) [the drug panimun bioral cyclosporine oral solution USP--modified. Panacea Biotec Ltd], were monitored in 103 renal transplant patients who were receiving CyA orally. Two hundred and sixty-two blood concentrations of CyA were determined using a validated HPLC assay over a period of two years. Mean dose from week 1 until 2 years ranged from 7.65 +/- 0.9 to 2.73 +/- 0.8 mg/kg. Mean blood CyA levels ranged from 197.4 +/- 87.5 to 205.9 +/- 113.5. The TL concentration changes versus dose reduction were not markedly different after 2-4 weeks and remained within therapeutic range. Stabilised concentrations were achieved after first month. We conclude that the blood TL of CyA were in the nominal therapeutic range suitable for renal transplant patients.