THE ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION OF STREPTOMYCIN IN HUMAN CHRONIC TYPHOID CARRIERS

Abstract

Absorption and excretion of streptomycin following intramusc. and oral adm. were studied in 4 human typhoid carriers to whom it was given every 3 hrs. in a dosage of 75,000 and 150,000 U. intramusc. and 31,250 U. orally. Following intramusc. adm. of streptomycin, 60-70% of the drug was excreted in the urine during a 24-hr. period. Appreciable amts. were not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following repeated adm. of capsules containing 31,250 U. Blood concs. of streptomycin following adm. of 75,000 U. intramusc. every 3 hrs. ranged from 0 to 6 U./ml.; when the dose was increased to 150,000 U. every 3 hrs., the level rose to 5-20 U./ml. Certain toxic manifestations unique for particular lots of drug were noted. At a dosage level of 75,000 or 150,000 U. intramusc. every 3 hrs., no significant bacteriostasis of typhoid bacilli in the stool was obtained. Following oral adm. of 31,250 U. every 3 hrs., a definite transitory bacteriostatic effect on the typhoid bacilli in the stool was obtained in 2 of 3 patients.