Pharmacokinetics of potassium ampicillin

Potassium ampicillin was studied in normal volunteers. It was administered orally to a group of five male subjects in a single dose of 500 mg. Peak plasma concentrations (2.00-6.75 microgram/ml) were reached within 1.30 to 2.23 h. The pharmacokinetic parameters were computed according to the two-compartment open model. The mean value of elimination half-life was 0.96 h, and the urinary recovery was about 66% of the administered dose within 6 h. The apparent distribution volume had an average of 0.8 l/kg. This indicates that there exists a more or less uniform potassium ampicillin distribution throughout the various body compartments.