2 hour versus 0.5 hour infusion of imipenem in healthy volunteers

Abstract number: 1134_02_99

Jaruratanasirikul S.

Introduction:

The bactericidal activity of beta-lactam antibiotics is determined by the time that concentrations in plasma are above the MIC (T > MIC) for the pathogens during the dosing interval.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the T > MIC of imipenem when administered by 2 h infusion compared with 0.5 h infusion.

Methods:

The study was a randomized, three-way crossover study with 30 hours wash-out period in 8 healthy volunteers. Each subject received imipenem in three regimens : (i) 0.5 h infusion of 0.5 g every 6 h for 3 doses; (ii) 2 h infusion of 0.5 g every 6 h for 3 doses; (iii) 2 h infusion of 1 g every 6 h for 3 doses.

Results:

Conclusion:

The 2 h infusion of 0.5 or 1 g of imipenem both give greater values for T > MIC than a 0.5 h infusion and that a 2 h infusion may be a useful mode of administration in tropical countries where drug instability may prevent the use of continuous infusion.