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Effects of ampicillin on the elimination of enprofylline in man
Abstract:
The effect of intravenously administered ampicillin on plasma levels and renal clearance of enprofylline was investigated in seven young and six elderly volunteers. On one occasion, each subject received 2 g of ampicillin intravenously, and serum concentrations of ampicillin were followed for 4 hours. On a separate occasion, a loading infusion of enprofylline was administered over 60 min., aiming at a plasma level of 2 micrograms/ml, and followed by a maintenance infusion. During this an infusion of 2 g of ampicillin was given for 10 min., and subsequently, renal clearance and plasma levels of enprofylline were followed for 4 hours. Plasma enprofylline levels increased significantly in the subjects after ampicillin infusion, but the effects on renal clearance of enprofylline were not statistically significant. The magnitude of the effects on enprofylline plasma levels and renal clearance from high doses of ampicillin do not suggest that interaction with beta-lactam antibiotics will be a serious problem for patients on enprofylline treatment.
Insights
Ampicillin administration led to higher enprofylline plasma levels in volunteers. However, this drug interaction did not significantly impact enprofylline
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Drug Interactions
Background:
- Enprofylline is a xanthine derivative used for treating respiratory diseases.
- Ampicillin is a widely used beta-lactam antibiotic.
- Potential drug interactions between antibiotics and respiratory medications require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ampicillin on enprofylline plasma levels and renal clearance.
- To assess the clinical significance of potential drug interactions in young and elderly volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous administration of ampicillin (2g) and enprofylline in separate and combined protocols.
- Monitoring of plasma concentrations of both drugs over 4 hours.
- Measurement of renal clearance of enprofylline.
- Comparison between young and elderly volunteer groups.
Main Results:
- Ampicillin significantly increased plasma enprofylline levels.
- No statistically significant effect of ampicillin on the renal clearance of enprofylline was observed.
- The observed effects were similar in both young and elderly volunteers.
Conclusions:
- High-dose ampicillin administration causes a significant increase in enprofylline plasma levels.
- The interaction between ampicillin and enprofylline is unlikely to pose a serious clinical problem.
- Beta-lactam antibiotic interactions with enprofylline warrant consideration but may not be clinically prohibitive.