Pharmacokinetics of Meropenem 0.5 and 2 g Every 8 Hours as a 3-Hour Infusion

Study Objective. To assess the pharmacokinetics of meropenem administered as a 3-hour infusion.

Design. Randomized, crossover, open-label study.

Setting. Clinical research center.

Subjects. Six healthy adult male volunteers.

Intervention. 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.

Measurement and Main 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.

Conclusion. 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.