The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of cimetidine and its metabolites in juvenile cystic fibrosis patients: age related differences as compared to adults.

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of cimetidine were studied in five cystic fibrosis patients (mean age 12.6 years) after oral and intravenous administration. As compared to healthy adult volunteers, cystic fibrosis children had an elevated cimetidine total body clearance (474 vs 300 ml/min/m2) as well as renal clearance (293 vs 232 ml/min/m2) whether normalized for body weight or surface area differences. Cimetidine elimination was elevated in juvenile cystic fibrosis patients as compared to adult volunteers, however, it did not differ significantly from that previously seen in age matched children. There were no appreciable differences in cimetidine metabolism after either route of administration. Differences between adults and cystic fibrosis children were attributed to development and age related differences between the two groups. The recommended pediatric dose of 15 to 20 mg/kg, although four-fold greater than that used in adults, produces serum concentrations similar to those seen in adults, and is adequate for most juvenile cystic fibrosis patients.