Pharmacokinetics of parenteral sulbactam in patients with appendicitis

The distribution and elimination of a new beta-lactamase inhibitor, sulbactam, were characterized in patients with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis. Using a two-compartment model, the distribution volumes for the central and total body were approximately 11 and 25 L, respectively. Sulbactam is rapidly distributed and eliminated with rate constants of about 3.7 and 0.7 h-1, respectively. Mean total body clearance was 311 ml/min. In contrast to previously reported data from normal subjects, surgical patients have more rapid total body clearance and larger steady-state distribution volumes.