Comparative pharmacokinetic characteristics of tacrolimus following application of its different pharmaceutical formulations in humans

Takrolimus is a cornerstone immunosuppressant in the prevention of solid organ rejection following transplantation. After long-term use of twice daily tacrolimus, a new era of application of extended release tacrolimus for once-daily dosing ensued. The aim of this short communication was to compare pharmacokinetic characteristics of tacrolimus following its application as twice daily drug capsules, each 12 hours, and once-daily capsules with extended release in healthy people and patients. However, only future clinical trials would show whether these two drug formulations are really comparable as far as pharmacokinetic parameters are concerned, and, what is more important, taking into account long-term safety of extended release tacrolimus, survival of grafts and patients themselves.