The influence of age on the pharmacokinetics of temafloxacin

The pharmacokinetics of temafloxacin were assessed in 12 healthy young and 12 healthy elderly volunteers after oral administration of a single 600 mg dose. Groups were balanced with respect to gender distribution. Plasma and urine temafloxacin concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared with the young group, mean peak plasma concentration in the elderly was 45% higher, the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve was 70% higher, the terminal elimination half-life was 18% higher, and the apparent beta-phase volume of distribution was 30% lower in the elderly group. Gender differences were small and largely disappeared when data were normalized to body surface area. As the difference in elimination half-life was small, alteration of the usual twice-daily dosage regimen is not necessary in the elderly. However, elderly patients with decreased renal function (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min) will need dosage reduction, similar to that recommended for younger patients.