The influence of ascites on the pharmacokinetics of piretanide in cirrhotic patients.

The pharmacokinetics of piretanide, a new loop diuretic, were studied in seven patients with severe liver disease before and after resolution of ascites. The time to maximum concentration was significantly prolonged by the presence of ascites. Tmax after relief of ascites was similar to that seen for normal volunteers. Area under the curves, bioavailability, volumes of distribution and elimination half-lives did not change after resolution of the ascites: two patients in whom diuretic resistant ascites occurred showed similar pharmacokinetics to that of the diuretic responders. Reduced responsiveness to piretanide therapy in patients with gross ascites does not appear to be the result of decreased bioavailability.