[Effect of hepatic failure upon the pharmacokinetics of cefixime]

Modifications of cefixime kinetics due to severe impairment of liver function were determined in 9 cirrhotic patients. Cefixime was administered as a single dose of 200 mg and levels were measured by HPLC. Maximum serum concentrations and area-under-the-curves of serum concentrations were not modified. The time for maximum serum concentration was delayed and the cefixime half-life in serum was prolonged, as a reflect of increased volume of distribution resulting from ascites and hypoalbuminemia. Renal clearance increased in these patients, possibly because of reduced extra-renal clearance. No metabolite was detected in serum or urine. Modifications of cefixime kinetics resulting from impaired hepatic function were modest and did not require specific dosage adjustment.