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Penetration of newer quinolones in the empyema fluid

I E Liapakis1, I Kottakis, M N Tzatzarakis

  • 12nd Dept of Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

The European Respiratory Journal
|September 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Moxifloxacin and levofloxacin show good penetration into empyemic pleural fluid in rabbits. Moxifloxacin demonstrated superior penetration and faster equilibration compared to levofloxacin, though clinical significance requires further study.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Quinolone penetration into pleural fluid is not well-established.
  • Empyema requires effective antibiotic treatment reaching the infected pleural space.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the penetration of moxifloxacin and levofloxacin into empyemic pleural fluid.
  • To compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of these antibiotics in a rabbit empyema model.

Main Methods:

  • A rabbit model of empyema was induced using turpentine and Escherichia coli.
  • Moxifloxacin and levofloxacin were administered intravenously (25 mg/kg).
  • Antibiotic concentrations in pleural fluid and blood were measured over 12 hours using HPLC.

Main Results:

  • Both moxifloxacin and levofloxacin penetrated empyemic pleural fluid effectively.
  • Moxifloxacin showed higher pleural fluid penetration (AUC ratio 1.37) than levofloxacin (AUC ratio 1.13).
  • Moxifloxacin achieved faster equilibration (3.9 h) compared to levofloxacin (4.4 h).

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences exist in the pleural fluid penetration of moxifloxacin and levofloxacin in rabbits.
  • Further research is needed to determine the clinical implications of these pharmacokinetic differences in humans.

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