title: Pharmacokinetics of meropenem 0.5 and 2 g every 8 hours as a 3-hour infusion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the pharmacokinetics of meropenem administered as a 3-hour infusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, crossover, open-label study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical research center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six healthy adult male volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each subject received meropenem 0.5 or 2 g every 8 hours as a 3-hour infusion for three doses and then crossed over to the other dosage regimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pharmacokinetic parameters of both regimens were compared, and no significant differences between 0.5- and 2-g doses for the dose-independent parameters (half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution at steady state) were observed. The regimens displayed dose proportionality and were consistent with that of a traditional 0.5-hour infusion. The 3-hour infusion optimized the pharmacodynamic profile of meropenem and worked within the constraints of stability at room temperature stability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prolonging the percentage of time above the minimum inhibitory concentration is a feasible option with meropenem; however, further studies are needed to quantify how this increase translates to efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Center for Anti-Infective Research and Development, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut 06102, USA.
authors.forename: Prachi K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Dandekar
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maglio
authors.forename: Christina A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.forename: Charles H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Nightingale
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Nicolau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D000077731:Meropenem; D008875:Middle Aged; D013845:Thienamycins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013845:Thienamycins; D000077731:Meropenem