Effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of gender on the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin.


METHODS
Open-label study.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Five healthy men and seven healthy women volunteers.


METHODS
Subjects received a single oral dose of ofloxacin 400 mg, and serial blood samples were collected for 24 hours. Plasma concentrations of ofloxacin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Statistical comparisons between genders were made with the Wilcoxon rank sum test.


RESULTS
Median volume of distribution at steady state/systemic bioavailability (V(ss)/F) was significantly smaller in women than in men, although when normalized for total body weight there were no differences. Except for terminal elimination half-life, which was 10% shorter in women, no other pharmacokinetic values were significantly different between genders. Median peak concentrations, although not statistically different, were 28% higher in women.


CONCLUSIONS
Ofloxacin V(ss)/F values were smaller in women than in men, explained by gender-related differences in weight.
Sowinski
K M
KM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Abel
S R
SR
Clark
W R
WR
Mueller
B A
BA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001825:Body Fluid Compartments; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D015242:Ofloxacin