Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL versus NEORAL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL versus NEORAL.
MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL vs NEORAL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Mycophenolate mofetil is a prodrug that is rapidly hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid (MPA), a potent, selective, uncompetitive, and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which inhibits the de novo pathway of guanosine nucleotide synthesis. This inhibition preferentially blocks proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes, as they are critically dependent on this pathway, thereby suppressing cell-mediated immune responses and antibody formation.
Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Neoral, is a calcineurin inhibitor. It binds to cyclophilin, forming a complex that inhibits calcineurin, thereby preventing dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-AT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells). This inhibits transcription of interleukin-2 and other cytokines, reducing T-cell activation and proliferation.
1 g orally twice daily; intravenous infusion 1 g over 2 hours twice daily for up to 14 days.
Initial dose 10-15 mg/kg/day orally divided q12h, then taper by 5% weekly to maintenance of 3-5 mg/kg/day divided q12h. For psoriasis: 2.5 mg/kg/day orally divided q12h. For rheumatoid arthritis: 2.5-5 mg/kg/day orally divided q12h. Administer consistently with or without food.
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateMycophenolate mofetil + Digitoxin
"Mycophenolate mofetil may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Digitoxin."
Clinical Note
moderateMycophenolate mofetil + Deslanoside
"Mycophenolate mofetil may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Deslanoside."
Clinical Note
moderateMycophenolate mofetil + Acetyldigitoxin
"Mycophenolate mofetil may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Acetyldigitoxin."
Clinical Note
moderateMycophenolate mofetil + Ouabain
None Documented
The terminal elimination half-life of mycophenolic acid (MPA) is approximately 8-16 hours in healthy volunteers and renal transplant patients. In patients with renal impairment, the half-life may be prolonged due to accumulation of MPAG. The half-life supports twice-daily dosing.
Terminal elimination half-life: 8.4 hours (range 6–24 hours) in healthy volunteers; prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 20 hours).
Mycophenolate mofetil is extensively metabolized to mycophenolic acid (MPA), which is primarily eliminated in urine as MPA glucuronide (MPAG). Approximately 87% of the dose is excreted in urine as MPAG, with less than 1% as unchanged MPA. Fecal excretion accounts for about 6% of the dose, mainly as MPAG. Biliary excretion contributes to enterohepatic recirculation of MPA, enhancing its exposure.
Primarily biliary/fecal (94%): 94% of dose eliminated in feces via bile, 6% in urine (0.1% unchanged). Minimal renal elimination of parent drug.
Category D/X
Category C
Immunosuppressant
Immunosuppressant
"Mycophenolate mofetil may decrease the cardiotoxic activities of Ouabain."