Saturable processes affecting renal clearance of cefixime in dogs

The pharmacokinetics of cefixime, a new orally active cephalosporin, was studied after an intravenous dose of 50 mg/kg to four beagle dogs. Cefixime was shown to exhibit concentration dependent serum protein binding and saturable tubular reabsorption. The drug was excreted mainly in the urine, the net result of glomerular filtration and saturable tubular reabsorption. The experimental results were analyzed by model independent pharmacokinetic equations and with theoretical models describing renal clearance. Modification of the models, based on observed data, was proposed. The experimental methods employed and the pharmacokinetic approach offered in this study can be applied to drugs that exhibit concentration dependent protein binding and saturable renal elimination processes.