Plasma, urine and skin pharmacokinetics of cefepime in burns patients

We studied the pharmacokinetics of cefepime (2 g bd) in six burns patients. Blood, urine and skin samples were collected to measure cefepime concentra tions. A two-compartment model was fitted to the data. At day 1, t(1/2 beta )was 2.45 +/- 0.56 h, V-ss 0.36 +/- 0.1 L/kg, total clearance 152 +/- 25.2 mL/min, and AUC 217 +/- 34 mg.h/L. There was no statistical difference betw een day 1 and day 3 for any of the pharmacokinetic parameters. We demonstra ted good penetration of cefepime in skin. These results show that it is not necessary to change the standard dosage of cefepime In burns patients.