PHARMACOKINETICS OF MEROPENEM IN SERUM AND SUCTION BLISTER FLUID DURING CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT INFUSION

The pharmacokinetics and penetration into suction blister fluid of meropenem was investigated after intermittent (10 mg/kg/6 h) and during continuous infusion (10 mg/kg/6 h) in eight healthy male volunteers in a crossover fashion. Concentrations in serum, urine and blister fluid were determined by a HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters in serum (±s.d.) r1/v/AUC and clearance after the third dose of intermittent infusion were 62·7 (11·4) min, 43·5 (7·1) mg.h/L and 292·1 (36·8) mL/min respectively. The penetration in blister fluid was rapid and good, with a AUC ratio blister fluid/serum of 84·7 (11·4)% During continuous infusion, from 12 to 18 h after the start of the infusion, the mean concentration in serum was 6·3 (0·7, S.D.) mg/L and in blister fluid 54 (0·7, s.d.) mg/L. The clearance was 338·3 (45·6) mL/min for scrum. Urinary recovery was 61·6 (8·7)% after intermittent and 61·9 (6·9)% after continuous infusion. © 1991 by The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.