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. 1991 Dec;35(12):2602–2605. doi: 10.1128/aac.35.12.2602

Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of a single 1,000-milligram, intravenous dose of metronidazole for antibiotic prophylaxis of colorectal surgery.

C Martin 1, B Sastre 1, M N Mallet 1, B Bruguerolle 1, J P Brun 1, P De Micco 1, F Gouin 1
PMCID: PMC245438  PMID: 1810194

Abstract

The levels of metronidazole in serum and tissue penetration of metronidazole were studied after prophylactic administration in 11 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. A single dose of 1,000 mg given intravenously was administered before surgery. Adequate drug levels in serum (greater than or equal to MIC for 90% of strains tested [MIC90] for Bacteroides fragilis) were found in all patients throughout the procedure. Mean peak (15-min) and last-determined (24-h) metronidazole levels in serum were 28.8 +/- 8 and 4.2 +/- 1.7 mg/liter, respectively. The beta-phase elimination half-life was 9.5 +/- 2.3 h, and the clearance and apparent volume of distribution were 57 +/- 13 ml/min and 0.7 +/- 0.1 liter/kg, respectively. In the colonic wall at surgical anastomosis, tissue metronidazole levels greater than or equal to MIC90 for B. fragilis were found in 91% of patients. In the abdominal wall fat and epiploic fat, tissue metronidazole levels greater than or equal to MIC90 for B. fragilis were found in 40 to 60% of patients at surgical incision and closure. No anaerobic infection occurred during the study.

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Selected References

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