Effects of traditional Chinese medicines on pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin

The effects of single coadministrations of one of three traditional Chinese medicines, Hotyu-ekki-to, Rikkunshi-to, and Juzen-taiho-to, on the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin (LVFX) were investigated with eight healthy volunteers in an open, random crossover fashion. Subjects each received a single oral dose of LVFX (200 mg) alone and then with a single coadministration of each Chinese medicine. There were no significant differences in any pharmacokinetic parameters of LVFX between the groups. Also, no significant changes in the urinary recovery (>80%) and renal clearance of LVFX were observed. These results indicate that the Chinese medicines tested have no significant effect on the rate and extent of bioavailability or renal excretion of LVFX.