Ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics in critically ill trauma patients

The steady-state pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin 200 mg intravenously every 12 hours was examined in 10 critically ill trauma patients. The mean parameter estimates for total clearance, renal clearance, non-renal clearance, and volume of distribution were 30.08 liters/hour/1.73 m2, 16.62 liters/hour/1.73 m2, 13.46 liters/hour/1.73 m2, and 2.10 liters/kg. Although the mean values were similar to those previously reported, significant individual differences were observed, with the coefficient of variation ranging from 41 to 61 percent. Non-renal clearance appeared to have a bimodal distribution. The dosage studied appeared to provide adequate serum concentration profiles to treat most pathogens found in infected trauma patients. However, the use of higher doses and more frequent dosing may be required to treat patients with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.