Cephalexin: human studies of absorption and excretion of a new cephalosporin antibiotic

Abstract

1 . Serum levels, half-lives and urine concentrations of cephalexin, an oral cephalosporin antibiotic which is unique in its absorption and excretion, are reported in human volunteers, fasting, non-fasting and non-fasting plus probenecid. Accumulation does not seem to occur. 2 . Cephalexin clearance was 376 ml./min and the ratio of cephalexin/creatinine clearances was 2·6 in one volunteer. 3 . Cephalexin had no effect on the urinary excretion of leucocytes, red cells or protein. 4 . The very high rate of absorption giving high serum levels and urine concentrations suggest cephalexin will be a useful antibiotic in susceptible bacterial infections in man.