title: A linear model for the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in healthy volunteers.
abstract: The pharmacokinetic profile of azithromycin, after oral ingestion of 500 mg, was determined in 10 healthy volunteers. Statistical and biochemical reason seemed to indicate a zero-order absorption of the drug. The disposition of azithromycin was described by a two-compartment model (plasma compartment and extravascular compartment) with elimination from the plasma compartment. The absorption process ends abruptly after a time T = 2.3 +/- 0.49 h, from the administration. The transfer rate constant from the plasma compartment to the extravascular compartment (k12 = 0.12 +/- 0.04 h-1) and the mean residence time of the drug in the extravascular compartment (MRT2 = 43.53 +/- 13.80 h) indicate a rapid and extensive distribution of azithromycin from the serum into the extravascular fluids. The results confirmed the efficacy of a single daily dose of 500 mg per os for clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Department of MCA Biology, University of Camerino, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ripa
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ferrante
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prenna
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D017963:Azithromycin