title: Factors affecting plasma levels of ketoconazole during long-term treatment.
abstract: In the present study we intended to obtain information on the evolution of near-peak blood levels during long-term treatment. 56 patients with an indication for systemic treatment of nail or skin mycoses obtained a daily dose of 200 mg ketoconazole. They were periodically checked for blood level of ketoconazole, clinical and mycological status and enzyme values. The average blood level was 2.8 +/- 1.3 micrograms/ml plasma. The blood level was not influenced by the length of the treatment. A correlation between blood level and weight or sex was not observed, whereas a significant negative correlation occurred between blood level and age (age group 15-30 years: 3.9 +/- 1.3 micrograms/ml; 46-60 years: 2.4 +/- 0.9 micrograms/ml).
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burri
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ruf
authors.forename: U W
authors.initials: UW
authors.lastname: Schnyder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008875:Middle Aged; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D007654:Ketoconazole