Pharmacokinetics of meropenem in serum and suction blister fluid during continuous and intermittent infusion

Abstract

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.) T1/2 beta, 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 5.4 (0.7, S.D.) mg/L. The clearance was 338.3 (45.6) mL/min for serum. Urinary recovery was 61.6 (8.7)% after intermittent and 61.9 (6.9)% after continuous infusion.