Pharmacokinetics of imipenem in sheep with special reference to its hepato-renal effects.
BACKGROUND
Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of imipenem after single intravenous and intramuscular injections and the effect of repeated intramuscular injections on hepato-renal functions in sheep.


METHODS
Imipenem concentrations in plasma and urine were determined by a microbiological agar plate assay.


RESULTS
Following intramuscular injection, imipenem was rapidly absorbed and the peak plasma concentration was 9.99 microg ml(-1) and the systemic bioavailability was 65.97%. Urine concentrations of imipenem were much higher than in plasma. Light and electron microscopy evidenced little changes in the kidney and liver.


CONCLUSIONS
Imipenem is likely to be efficacious in most urinary tract infections and has no adverse effects on hepato-renal structures and functions.
Abo EL-Sooud
K
K
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. kasooud@hotmail.com
Khammas
W
W
Kadri
M Nadir
MN
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015378:Imipenem / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012756:Sheep
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015378:Imipenem; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase