The pharmacokinetics of once-daily dosing with gentamicin in women with postpartum endometritis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and cost of once-daily dosing with gentamicin in women with postpartum endometritis.


METHODS
Gentamicin in a single daily dose of 4.5 mg/kg was administered intravenously to 10 women with postpartum endometritis. Peak and trough gentamicin levels were measured, and nephrotoxicity and clinical ototoxicity were monitored. Pharmacokinetic data were analyzed, and a cost analysis of once-daily gentamicin administration was performed.


RESULTS
The mean elimination constant was 0.105 +/- 0.008 L/h, and the mean volume of distribution was 0.34 +/- 0.07 L/kg. Mean peak gentamicin levels exceeded 11 mg/L, and all trough levels were < 0.3 mg/L. Cost savings of 44% were achieved with once-daily dosing of gentamicin, compared with traditional thrice-daily dosing.


CONCLUSIONS
Once-daily dosing with gentamicin in women with postpartum endometritis achieves therapeutic peak levels without drug accumulation. Substantial cost savings are realized with this dosing regimen.
Sunyecz
J A
JA
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/Magee-Womens Research Institute, PA, USA.
Wiesenfeld
H C
HC
Heine
R P
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016527:Drug Costs; D004716:Endometritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005839:Gentamicins