[Anti-rheumatic therapy in patients with liver diseases. Plasma levels of diclofenac and elimination of diclofenac and metabolites in urine of patients with liver disease].

Ten patients with chronic hepatitis or cirrhotic hepatitis without portal decompensation diagnosed by biochemical, laparoscopical and histological criteria were given 100 mg diclofenac-Na (Voltaren) p.o. in order to evaluate plasma-concentration (0--8 h after application of diclofenac) and urinary excretion of diclofenac resp. hydroxylated metabolites (0--24 h after application). Mean values of the kinetic parameters AUC, Cmax, Tmax and renal excretion were not different as compared to ten healthy controls. Elimination and metabolism of diclofenac was not influenced by the liver diseases. A dose-reduction seems not to be necessary in patients with chronic liver diseases without portal decompensation.