Hemodialyzability of sertraline.

Sertraline is an antidepressant which selectively inhibits the neuronal uptake of serotonin in the central nervous system. The pharmacokinetics of sertraline in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the effect of hemodialysis on sertraline clearance is unknown. A dose of 100 mg sertraline was administered to two anuric hemodialysis patients after hemodialysis. During the next hemodialysis session, simultaneous pre- and post dialyzer blood samples were obtained at the start of and hourly throughout dialysis until completion. All spent dialysate was collected hourly, quantified and an aliquot retained. Additional blood samples were obtained approximately 20 hours after dialysis and prior to the next treatment. Serum and dialysate were assayed for sertraline by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Initial sertraline serum concentrations were similar to those observed in subjects with normal renal function given the same sertraline dose, implying unaltered absorption and distribution. Sertraline was not detected in any dialysate sample. The elimination half-life was 42-92 h (normally 24-36 h), suggesting impaired clearance. Smaller doses of sertraline may be required in ESRD patients, yet post-hemodialysis supplementation is unnecessary.