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Effect of probenecid on the excretion of ampicillin in human bile

Insights

Probenecid significantly enhances ampicillin levels in both serum and bile, prolonging its half-life and increasing biliary concentrations. This combination may benefit patients with cholangitis and typhoid carriers.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ampicillin is a widely used antibiotic.
  • Understanding its pharmacokinetics in bile is crucial for treating biliary infections.
  • Probenecid is known to affect drug excretion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of probenecid on ampicillin concentrations in serum and bile.
  • To determine the clinical implications of combined ampicillin and probenecid therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Intravenous administration of ampicillin (1 gram) to patients with T-tube bile drainage.
  • Measurement of ampicillin serum and bile concentrations before and during probenecid medication.
  • Pharmacokinetic analysis, including half-life determination.

Main Results:

  • Probenecid increased ampicillin's serum half-life from 74 to 137 minutes.
  • Bile ampicillin concentrations were higher with probenecid, maintaining >5 mug/ml for an additional 3 hours.
  • Serum and bile ampicillin concentrations were similar, suggesting passive transport from blood to bile.

Conclusions:

  • Probenecid enhances ampicillin's pharmacokinetic profile in both serum and bile.
  • Combined ampicillin and probenecid therapy shows potential clinical utility for cholangitis and typhoid carriers.
  • Passive diffusion appears to be the primary mechanism for ampicillin transport into bile.

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