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Tissue pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in human soft tissue infections

Romuald Bellmann1, Gerald Kuchling, Pejman Dehghanyar

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, University of Vienna Medical School, Austria.

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|April 20, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Levofloxacin effectively penetrates subcutaneous adipose tissue in soft tissue infections, reaching therapeutic antibacterial concentrations. However, high variability means some patients may have sub-therapeutic levels, particularly in treatment-resistant cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Penetration Studies

Background:

  • Soft tissue infections require effective antibiotic penetration to the site of infection.
  • Understanding drug distribution in adipose tissue is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the penetration of levofloxacin into subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients with soft tissue infections.
  • To determine if local inflammation affects levofloxacin tissue concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Microdialysis was used to measure levofloxacin concentrations in inflamed and healthy subcutaneous adipose tissue.
  • Six patients received a single 500 mg intravenous dose of levofloxacin.
  • High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for drug assay.

Main Results:

  • Levofloxacin concentrations in plasma were similar to those in both inflamed and healthy adipose tissue.
  • The ratio of tissue AUC(0,10h) to plasma AUC(0,10h) was approximately 1.1-1.2, indicating good penetration.
  • High inter-individual variability in tissue penetration was observed (CV ~82%).

Conclusions:

  • Levofloxacin penetration into subcutaneous adipose tissue is not significantly affected by local inflammation.
  • A 500 mg intravenous dose of levofloxacin generally achieves effective antibacterial concentrations at the target site.
  • Sub-therapeutic tissue concentrations may occur in some patients, especially those with treatment-resistant infections.

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