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Pharmacokinetics of meropenem in patients with cystic fibrosis

B A Christensson1, B Ljungberg, L Eriksson

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|March 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Meropenem is cleared faster in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients compared to healthy individuals. This impacts treatment effectiveness, as drug levels may fall below therapeutic targets more quickly in CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affects drug pharmacokinetics.
  • Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare meropenem pharmacokinetics in CF patients versus healthy volunteers.
  • To assess the implications for achieving therapeutic drug concentrations in CF.

Main Methods:

  • Single intravenous infusions of meropenem (15 mg/kg) were administered.
  • Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in 8 CF patients and 8 matched healthy volunteers.

Main Results:

  • CF patients exhibited significantly shorter terminal half-lives and mean residence times.
  • Higher plasma and renal clearances, and smaller distribution volumes were observed in CF patients, though not statistically significant.
  • Time above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was less than 3.3 hours in 6 of 8 CF patients, assuming a MIC90 of 4 mg/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions:

  • Meropenem is eliminated more rapidly in CF patients.
  • Treatment regimens for meropenem in CF patients require careful consideration due to faster drug clearance.
  • Further studies may be needed to optimize meropenem dosing in CF.

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