Pharmacokinetics of cefixime (CL 284,635; FK 027) in healthy subjects and patients with renal insufficiency

The pharmacokinetics of the extended-half-life, broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin cefixime (CL 284,635; FK 027) were studied in 7 healthy volunteers and 35 patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency, including patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis. Apparent total body, renal, and apparent nondialysis-nonrenal clearances and protein binding declined and elimination half-life increased with decreasing creatinine clearance. All of these alterations became statistically significant as the creatinine clearance fell below 20 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cefixime concentrations in urine exceeded the MICs for most urinary tract pathogens for up to 24 h postdose, even in patients with severe renal insufficiency. CAPD removed an insignificant fraction of cefixime body burden over the 72-h study period (1.57 +/- 0.60% [mean +/- the standard error of the mean]). Area under the curve data suggested that hemodialysis similarly removed an insignificant fraction of the cefixime body burden. Volume of distribution at steady state was not altered significantly by renal insufficiency. It is recommended that standard doses of cefixime be administered at extended intervals, especially in patients with creatinine clearances less than 20 ml/min per 1.73 m2. In addition, supplemental doses are not necessary during CAPD and at the end of hemodialysis.