Pharmacokinetics of piperacillin following intravenous administration

Abstract

Piperacillin was given to 12 male volunteers as a bolus, infusion or in combination of bolus and infusion in 4 dosage regimens. Serum and urine samples were taken for assay of piperacillin and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived. Following bolus injection of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg peak serum levels of 138, 205 and 520 μg/ml were obtained. Using infusion at a rate of 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/h steady state piperacillin levels were 25, 50 and 130μg/ml respectively. No significant biochemical haematological or clinical change was noted following administration. Piperacillin was largely excreted in the urine and the possible advantages of different modes of administration are discussed.