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The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime axetil in the sick elderly patient
Abstract:
The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime axetil (RS3 formulation) were studied in 20 elderly patients following admission for lower respiratory or urinary tract infection. The mean age was 83.9 years. A 12-hourly dose of 250 mg was given for five days. The mean time to attain maximum serum concentration was 3.2 h with a mean peak concentration of 8.5 mg/l. The mean serum elimination half-life was 3.5 h and the AUC0-infinity 60.4 mg/h.l. There was no accumulation of the drug in the patients studied after five days treatment. The data suggest that the standard dosage regimen is adequate in the sick elderly patient.
Insights
This study found that the standard 250 mg dose of cefuroxime axetil is effective and safe for elderly patients with respiratory or urinary tract infections. No drug accumulation occurred after five days of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Elderly patients often have altered pharmacokinetics, necessitating dosage adjustments for certain medications.
- Cefuroxime axetil is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime axetil (RS3 formulation) in elderly patients.
- To determine if the standard dosage regimen is appropriate for this population.
Main Methods:
- A pharmacokinetic study involving 20 elderly patients (mean age 83.9 years).
- Patients received a 12-hourly dose of 250 mg cefuroxime axetil for five days.
- Serum concentrations, time to maximum concentration, elimination half-life, and AUC0-infinity were measured.
Main Results:
- Mean time to maximum serum concentration was 3.2 hours.
- Mean peak serum concentration was 8.5 mg/L.
- Mean serum elimination half-life was 3.5 hours, with an AUC0-infinity of 60.4 mg/h.L.
- No significant drug accumulation was observed after five days of treatment.
Conclusions:
- The standard 250 mg cefuroxime axetil dosage regimen appears adequate for sick elderly patients.
- The pharmacokinetic profile suggests safe and effective use in this demographic without accumulation.