Related Experiment Videos
Clinical pharmacology of intravenously administered trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Abstract:
Pharmacokinetic studies of intravenously administered trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) were conducted in 11 patients with cancer while they received therapy with this drug combination for infection. Each patient received 160 mg of TMP and 800 mg of SMX every 8 h. The highest plasma concentrations of both agents were attained at the end of a 1-h infusion period, and the levels were maintained above 38 mug of free SMX and 2 mug of TMP per ml for 2 to 4 h on day 1. On day 4, these concentrations were exceeded at all time intervals of blood sampling. High concentrations of TMP and free SMX were recovered in the urine during the 8-h period. The plasma half-lives of TMP and free SMX, as determined during the first 8-h period, were 7.6 and 8.6 h, respectively. Compared with SMX, TMP had an approximately 2.5 times higher volume of distribution. This drug combination was well tolerated by the patients and unaccompanied by drug-related toxicity.
Insights
Intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) shows favorable pharmacokinetics in cancer patients, maintaining therapeutic drug levels and exhibiting good tolerability. This combination therapy is effective for treating infections in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cancer patients often experience infections requiring effective antimicrobial therapy.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a commonly used antibiotic combination.
- Understanding TMP-SMX pharmacokinetics in cancer patients is crucial for optimizing treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous TMP-SMX in cancer patients.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of TMP-SMX in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic study involving 11 cancer patients receiving TMP-SMX intravenously every 8 hours.
- Plasma and urine drug concentrations were measured.
- Plasma half-lives and volume of distribution were determined.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic plasma concentrations of TMP and SMX were achieved and maintained for 2-4 hours post-infusion on day 1, and exceeded at all sampling times by day 4.
- High urinary recovery of both drugs was observed.
- Plasma half-lives were 7.6 hours for TMP and 8.6 hours for SMX.
- TMP had a 2.5-fold higher volume of distribution than SMX.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous TMP-SMX demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics in cancer patients.
- The drug combination was well-tolerated, with no observed drug-related toxicity.
- TMP-SMX is a viable and safe option for treating infections in cancer patients.