Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of cefpirome, a new cephalosporin

The pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration (as measured by a blister fluid model) of cefpirome were studied in six male volunteers following a 1 g intravenous dose. A mean peak serum concentration (at 5 min) of 97.4 mg/l was followed by rapid distribution into an apparent volume of 21.3 1. The serum elimination half-life was 2.3 h. Cefpirome penetrated rapidly into inflammatory fluid with a mean peak concentration of 39.2 mg/l at 1.9 h. The mean inflammatory fluid elimination half-life was 2.5 h. The availability of the drug in inflammatory fluid was high with a mean per cent penetration of 123%. The plasma and renal clearances were 109.5 and 82.1 ml/min respectively. Twenty-four hour urinary recovery was 75.5% of the administered dose. This study suggests that a twice daily dosage may be sufficient to treat tissue infections with susceptible pathogens.