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Published in:

01-11-2000 | Review Articles

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cephalosporins in Cerebrospinal Fluid

Authors: Dr Irja Lutsar, Ian R. Friedland

Published in: Clinical Pharmacokinetics | Issue 5/2000

Abstract

Largely because of their low lipophilicity, cephalosporins poorly penetrate through the blood-brain barrier, achieving relatively low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations. However, the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extended spectrum cephalosporins for common meningeal pathogens are generally low; thus, therapeutic CSF drug concentrations several-fold greater than the MBC can be achieved with currently recommended dosage regimens. However, the effectiveness of cephalosporin therapy is unreliable in patients with meningitis caused by highly penicillin-resistant pneumococci.

As in other body sites, the bactericidal activity of cephalosporins in CSF predominantly depends on the time their concentrations exceed the MBC of infecting organisms (t_>mbc). Experimental studies show that, for maximal efficacy, t_>mbc values greater than 90% of the dosage interval are required in meningitis. Such values are usually achieved in humans with currently recommended dosage regimens because the half-lives of cephalosporins are 2- to 3-fold longer in CSF than in serum.

Several advanced generation cephalosporins have shown equal efficacy in clinical trials, but only cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime are currently approved for the treatment of patients with bacterial meningitis.

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Title: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cephalosporins in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Dr Irja Lutsar
Ian R. Friedland
Publication date: 01-11-2000
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Clinical Pharmacokinetics / Issue 5/2000
Print ISSN: 0312-5963
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1926
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-200039050-00003

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cephalosporins in Cerebrospinal Fluid

Abstract

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