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Pharmacokinetic contributions to postantibiotic effects. Focus on aminoglycosides

G G Zhanel1, W A Craig

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics
|November 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

The postantibiotic effect (PAE) is a crucial factor in antimicrobial efficacy. Understanding PAE and optimizing antimicrobial dosing, like with aminoglycosides, enhances treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The postantibiotic effect (PAE) is the delay in microbial regrowth after antimicrobial exposure.
  • PAE is observed with most antimicrobial agents against various bacterial pathogens.
  • Factors influencing PAE include organism type, antimicrobial agent, concentration, exposure duration, combinations, and media.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics and influencing factors of the postantibiotic effect (PAE).
  • To discuss the PAE of different antimicrobial classes, including beta-lactams and protein/RNA synthesis inhibitors.
  • To explore the role of PAE and pharmacokinetic parameters in aminoglycoside efficacy and dosing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the postantibiotic effect (PAE).
  • Analysis of factors affecting PAE duration and presence.
  • Examination of in vivo data correlating pharmacokinetic parameters with clinical outcomes for aminoglycosides.

Main Results:

  • Beta-lactams show a significant PAE against Gram-positive cocci but a short PAE against Gram-negative bacilli.
  • Antimicrobials inhibiting RNA or protein synthesis exhibit PAE against both Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli.
  • Area under the plasma concentration-time curve is the key pharmacokinetic parameter for aminoglycoside efficacy, linked to their concentration-dependent killing and PAE.

Conclusions:

  • The postantibiotic effect (PAE) is a significant pharmacodynamic property influencing antimicrobial effectiveness.
  • Aminoglycosides demonstrate concentration-dependent killing and a notable PAE, supporting once-daily dosing strategies.
  • Once-daily aminoglycoside administration in vivo appears as effective or more effective, and potentially less toxic, than multiple daily doses.

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