Elution characteristics of vancomycin, teicoplanin, gentamicin and clindamycin from calcium sulphate beads

The in vitro release of vancomycin; teicoplanin, gentamicin and clindamycin from biodegradable calcium sulphate (CaSO4) carrier beads is described. Al l antibiotics showed prolonged release from the carrier beads, which was el evated during the first 24 h, with peak levels exceeding 2500 mug/bead. Dou bling the antibiotic load of the beads revealed a more prolonged elution an d a two-fold increase in antibiotic release. Local carrier-associated antib iotic treatment with CaSO4 beads may prove to be effective in the managemen t of chronic bone infections.