Elimination kinetics of ceftizoxime in humans with and without renal insufficiency

The pharmacokinetics of a single 500-mg intramuscular dose of ceftizoxime were studied in 11 healthy adult volunteers and in 22 patients with various degrees of renal dysfunction. The mean serum half-life of ceftizoxime was 1.44 h in normal subjects and 30.2 h in hemodialysis patients. A significant correlation (P less than 0.001) between the elimination rate constant of ceftizoxime and creatinine clearance was demonstrated. The mean urinary recovery in normal subjects was 75.6% within 6 h of dosage; recovery decreased progressively with reduced renal function.