The influence of protein binding on disopyramide clearance

Individual disopyramide clearance is not constant and previous studies have suggested that this may be time and/or concentration dependent. Steady state disopyramide concentrations were achieved in six volunteer subjects at each of three infusion rates. Drug analysis was by HPLC and protein binding was determined by ultrafiltration. The disopyramide free fraction was concentration dependent and marked interindividual variability was observed. Disopyramide clearance was independent of time but dependent on total plasma concentration. This can be completely explained by non-linear protein binding since free disopyramide clearance was observed to be independent of free concentration.