Pharmacokinetics of cefixime in the young and elderly

The pharmacokinetics of cefixime were compared in 12 young and 12 elderly subjects receiving 400 mg once-a-day for five days. Mean peak serum concentrations (Cmax) on days one and five in the elderly (4.90 and 5.68 mg/l) were comparable (P greater than 0.05) to those in the young subjects (3.88 and 4.74 mg/l). Serum area under the curve (AUC) values on days one and five in the elderly (41.0 and 49.5 mg.h/l) were higher (P less than 0.05) than those in young subjects (28.6 and 34.9 mg.h/l). In addition, the elimination half-life, mean residence time, average concentration, minimal concentration and renal clearance (Clr) values were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the elderly. A significant linear correlation (P less than 0.05) was found between the Clr of cefixime (total and unbound) and creatinine clearance. The urinary recovery (Ae0----24) and protein binding of cefixime on days one and five was similar in the elderly and young. Overall, there is no need for any dosage adjustment of the drug in the elderly.