Pharmacokinetics of antibiotic prophylaxis in major orthopedic surgery andblood-saving techniques

The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime, cefotiam, cefamandole, and ampicillin/s ulbactam were randomly measured in 40 patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery associated with high blood and volume turnover and intraoperative b lood salvage. Serum and bone concentrations and the pharmacokinetics occurr ing in the context of these procedures were measured. No changes in elimina tion half-life relative to a normal population occurred with cefuroxime, ce fotiam, and ampicillin. Serum and tissue concentrations were slightly lower with cefamandole and sulbactam, but reapplication of the initial dose was required with all antibiotics 4 hours after the first application.