The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in normal and impaired renal function

The concentration of ceftazidime in serum and urine was measured in ten healthy volunteers and 19 patients with renal impairment following a 2 g iv dose of ceftazidime. In impaired renal function the elimination rate of ceftazidime is decreased considerably, whereupon the area under the curve (AUC) rises sharply. Dose reduction factors (DRF) for several degrees of renal function are presented. The urinary recovery decreases with renal function; but therapeutic urine levels can still be detected in patients on dialysis. Patients with renal insufficiency should be given reduced dosage according to a dose reduction factor and according to the table.