OFLOXACIN CLEARANCE DURING HEMODIALYSIS - A COMPARISON OF POLYSULFONEAND CELLULOSE-ACETATE HEMODIALYZERS

The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin were studied in 13 patients with end -stage renal disease during hemodialysis using two different dialyzers : a polysulfone membrane (Fresenius F6) and a cellulose acetate dialyz er (Nissho Nipro FB-150T), All patients received 100 mg ofloxacin oral ly per day before dialysis, The hemodialysis clearance per square mete r surface area was significantly different, with 5.0 +/- 0.7 L/h and 3 .7 +/- 1.6 L/h, respectively. The serum concentration was reduced by a 3-hour hemodialysis by 49.6% +/- 5.8% per square meter surface area a nd 45.5% +/- 4.8% per square meter surface area. The half-life was 4.2 +/- 1.8 hours and 4.8 +/- 1.6 hours during the hemodialysis period an d 22.8 +/- 2.2 hours and 23.3 +/- 1.7 hours between the dialysis sessi ons, respectively. Comparing polysulfone and cellulose acetate dialyze rs, the material of the membrane influences the half-life, the dialysi s clearance, and the percentage of drug extracted during hemodialysis. We conclude that the type of dialyzer used has to be taken into accou nt in dosage recommendations for antimicrobial therapy in hemodialysis patients (C) 1998 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.