PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFOXITIN IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL OR IMPAIRED RENAL-FUNCTION

The pharmacokinetics of cefoxitin were determined after a single i.v. injection of 15 mg/kg body wt in 10 patients with normal renal function and 20 patients with varying degrees of renal impairment. The kinetics of the antibiotic followed an open 2-compartment model. In the patients with renal impairment there was an increase in the apparent volume of distribution. The degree of plasma protein binding in patients with normal renal function was 73.6% and this was diminished in patients with renal impairment. A linear relationship between K13 of cefoxitin and creatinine clearance was demonstrated. The dosage regimen for patients with renal impairment should be adjusted by modifying the dosage interval while maintaining the amount administered.