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Concentrations of sulbactam/ampicillin in serum and lung tissue
U Frank1, E Schmidt-Eisenlohr, A Joos-Württemberger
1Klinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The penetration of sulbactam plus ampicillin into lung tissue was studied in 15 patients undergoing thoracic surgery for pneumonectomy after the administration of 1 g of sulbactam plus 2 g of ampicillin as a 15 min intravenous short infusion. Ampicillin serum concentrations declined from 40.8 mg/l at 1 h to 18.8 mg/l 2-4 h after administration. Concomitant serum concentrations of sulbactam were 25.5 mg/l and 11.8 mg/l, respectively. In lung tissue, peak ampicillin concentrations of 35.6 mg/kg were reached 1.5 h after administration declining slowly to 26.8 mg/kg after 2-4 h. The respective sulbactam concentrations were 8.6 and 5.5 mg/kg. In our study sufficient sulbactam and ampicillin levels active against important pathogenic organisms causing community- and hospital-acquired respiratory tract infections have been achieved in lung tissue, suggesting that the combination sulbactam/ampicillin is suited for the treatment of most community- and hospital-acquired respiratory tract infections as well as for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of postoperative lung infections after thoracic surgery.
Insights
This study shows that sulbactam plus ampicillin achieves effective lung tissue concentrations. This combination is suitable for treating respiratory tract infections and preventing postoperative lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Infectious Diseases
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Respiratory tract infections necessitate effective antibiotic penetration into lung tissue.
- Understanding antibiotic concentrations in lung tissue is crucial for treatment efficacy.
- Sulbactam/ampicillin is a common antibiotic combination for bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the penetration of sulbactam and ampicillin into lung tissue.
- To determine if achieved concentrations are sufficient against common respiratory pathogens.
- To assess the suitability of sulbactam/ampicillin for treating and preventing lung infections.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients undergoing pneumonectomy received 1g sulbactam/2g ampicillin IV.
- Serum and lung tissue concentrations of both drugs were measured at various time points.
- Concentrations were analyzed to determine pharmacokinetic profiles.
Main Results:
- Peak ampicillin lung concentrations reached 35.6 mg/kg at 1.5 hours, with sulbactam at 8.6 mg/kg.
- Sufficient drug levels were maintained in lung tissue for 2-4 hours post-administration.
- Achieved concentrations were deemed active against key respiratory pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Sulbactam/ampicillin achieves adequate concentrations in lung tissue.
- The combination is well-suited for treating community- and hospital-acquired respiratory infections.
- It is also appropriate for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of postoperative lung infections.