Excretion:
Following administration of Noxafil® Oral Suspension, posaconazole is predominantly eliminated in the feces (71% of the radiolabeled dose up to 120 hours) with the major component eliminated as parent drug (66% of the radiolabeled dose). Renal clearance is a minor elimination pathway, with 13% of the radiolabeled dose excreted in urine up to 120 hours (<0.2% of the radiolabeled dose is parent drug).
Posaconazole delayed-release tablet is eliminated with a mean half-life (t1/2;) ranging between 26 to 31 hours.
Specific Populations:
No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of posaconazole were observed based on age, sex, renal impairment, and indication.
Patients with Renal Impairment:
After posaconazole delayed-release tablets oral administration, there were no significant differences in the posaconazole pharmacokinetics in patients with eGFR 20 mL/minute/1.73 m2 or higher compared to those with eGFR>80 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Although the mean posaconazole plasma exposure (AUC) was similar in patients with eGFR less than 20 mL/minute/1.73 m2 treated with Noxafil® oral suspension to those with eGFR >80 mL/minute/1.73 m2 treated with Noxafil® oral suspension, the range of the AUC estimates was highly variable (CV=96%) in patients with eGFR less than 20 mL/minute/1.73 m2 compared to those with eGFR>80 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (CV<40%). Similar posaconazole pharmacokinetic results are expected after administration of posaconazole delayed-release tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Patients with Hepatic Impairment:
After a single oral dose of Noxafil® oral suspension 400 mg, the mean AUC was 43%, 27%, and 21% higher in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh Class A, N=6), moderate (Child-Pugh Class B, N=6), or severe (Child-Pugh Class C, N=6) hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function (N=18). Compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, the mean Cmax was 1% higher, 40% higher, and 34% lower in subjects with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment, respectively [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Race/Ethnicity:
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of posaconazole, AUC was found to be 25% higher in Chinese patients relative to patients from other races/ethnicities. This higher exposure is not expected to be clinically relevant given the expected variability in posaconazole exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.9)].
Patients Weighing More Than 120 kg:
Weight has a clinically significant effect on posaconazole clearance. Relative to 70 kg patients, the Cavg is decreased by 25% in patients greater than 120 kg. Patients administered posaconazole delayed-release tablets weighing more than 120 kg may be at higher risk for lower posaconazole plasma concentrations compared to lower weight patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.10)].
Pediatric Patients:
Prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older: A total of 12 patients 13 to 17 years of age received 600 mg/day (200 mg three times a day) of Noxafil® oral suspension for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections. Based on pharmacokinetic data in 10 of these pediatric patients, the mean steady-state Cav was similar between these patients and adults (≥18 years of age). In a study of 136 neutropenic pediatric patients 11 months to less than 18 years treated with Noxafil oral suspension, the exposure target of steady-state posaconazole Cavg between 500 ng/mL and less than 2500 ng/mL was attained in approximately 50% of patients instead of the prespecified 90% of patients.
Additional Pediatric Use information is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s NOXAFIL (posaconazole delayed-release tablets). However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.