[Ceftizoxime concentration in blood, muscle, and kidney tissue]

The pharmacokinetic properties of ceftizoxime, a new beta-lactamase-resistant cephalosporin, were investigated in 27 patients following perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. 2 g of ceftizoxime were injected before surgery and the concentrations measured in serum, muscle and renal tissue over a period of 30 min to 7 h. The pharmacokinetic data indicated high and long-lasting concentrations of ceftizoxime, especially in the renal tissue; this makes the drug ideal for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections with obstruction and involvement of the renal tissue, provided the bacteria present are sensitive. The administration of 2 g i. v. every 12 h should be sufficient. In view of the high and long-lasting concentrations, it should be possible to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections with a single dose of 2 g every 24 h. However, Enterococci, Bacteroides and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not sufficiently sensitive to ceftizoxime and a combination with an aminoglycoside is thus indicated in the treatment of high-risk patients in the absence of bacteriological tests.