Intravenous azlocillin kinetics in patients on long-term hemodialysis

The kinetics of the antipseudomonas penicillin, azlocillin, was studied after intravenous injection in 9 patients with creatinine clearance under 7 ml/min. All were on long-term hemodialysis; 3 were also studied during a dialysis-free period. Kinetic parameters were derived using a 2-compartment open model. The mean serum azlocillin half-life (t 1/2) was 1.93 hr in patients on dialysis and approximately 5 hr off dialysis. Thirty percent of the dose was recovered in the dialysate during a 4-hr period. An approach to the use of azlocillin in patients undergoing dialysis is presented.