Objective: The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of omapatrilat, a member of a new class of cardiovascular compounds, the vasopeptidase inhibitors, were evaluated in subjects with hepatic cirrhosis (n = 10) and in healthy subjects (n = 10) matched for age, weight, gender and smoking history.
Methods: All subjects received omapatrilat 25 mg orally once daily for 14 days. Plasma renin and urinary atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels were measured to assess the effect of omapatrilat on cirrhotic subjects. The effect of omapatrilat on blood pressure as well as changes in ANP and plasma renin levels were not altered by hepatic impairment. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from plasma omapatrilat concentrations.
Results: There were no significant differences between the two subject groups with regard to log-transformed area under the curve or maximum observed plasma concentration. Systemic accumulation was similar in the two groups.
Conclusion: These results suggest, based on findings in otherwise healthy cirrhotic subjects, that no adjustment of standard dosing regimens is indicated for hypertensive patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis.