A COMPARISON OF THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF MEROPENEM AFTER INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION BY INJECTION OVER 2, 3 AND 5 MINUTES

The pharmacokinetics of meropenem were determined in 9 healthy volunte ers after the administration of 1 g doses by injection over 2, 3 or 5 min. Peak plasma concentrations were not significantly different acros s the three rates of administration and, due to the finite time requir ed for complete mixing of the blood in the central compartment, did no t always occur at the end of the injection. Overall exposure to merope nem was unchanged by the more rapid rates of administration. Plasma cl earance, terminal half-life and volume of distribution were virtually unchanged. Within 10 min after the start of the injection, the plasma concentrations from all three injections were very similar indicating that dosing over 2, 3 or 5 min would result in similar antimicrobial c over and, therefore, comparable efficacy. Comparison of the data deriv ed from the three injections indicated that rapid administration of me ropenem did not appreciably alter its disposition pharmacokinetics. To lerability of meropenem was unchanged with the more rapid administrati on rate.