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J J Schentag

Publications and source records attributed to J J Schentag.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Pharmacokinetics and safety of trovafloxacin (CP-99,219), a new quinolone antibiotic, following administration of single oral doses to healthy male volunteers.

Trovafloxacin (CP-99,219) is a new fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The pharmacokinetics and safety of trovafloxacin were characterised in healthy male volunteers after administration of single oral doses of 30, 100, 300, 600 and 1000 mg. trovafloxacin was rapidly absorbed and serum concentrations reached a maximum approximately 1 h after dosing. The corresponding mean Cmax values (mean +/- SD) were 0.3 +/- 0.0, 1.5 +/- 0.5, 4.4 +/- 1.1, 6.6 +/- 1.4 and 10.1 +/- 0.5 mg/L. Terminal-phase half-life was independent of dose, with an overall mean of 9.9 +/- 2.5 h. Generally, Cmax and AUC0-infinity increased linearly with dose. Less than 10% of the administered dose was recovered unchanged in urine. Over the dosing range, trovafloxacin renal clearance was fairly constant, averaging 0.67 +/- 0.36 L/h. Trovafloxacin binding to serum proteins was moderate (70%). Trovafloxacin was well tolerated at doses of 300 mg or below. There were no significant changes in the clinical chemistry or haematology parameters evaluated over the entire dosing range.

Adolescent↗

The effect of tenidap sodium on the disposition and plasma protein binding of phenytoin in healthy male volunteers.

1. The effects of tenidap sodium 120 mg day-1 at steady state and placebo on the plasma protein binding and pharmacokinetics of phenytoin were compared in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, involving 12 healthy young men, conducted over 34 days. 2. Single oral doses of phenytoin 200 mg were given on days 1-3 and 29-31, and intravenous phenytoin, 250 mg infused over 20 min, was given on days 4 and 32. Tenidap (120 mg day-1), or matching placebo, was administered as single oral daily doses from days 8 to 34 inclusive. 3. The plasma protein binding of phenytoin was determined immediately before oral phenytoin administration on days 1 and 29. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated from the serum phenytoin concentration-time curves derived on days 4 and 32 following the phenytoin infusions. The differences between the pre- and post-treatment mean percentage of unbound plasma phenytoin and mean pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between treatment groups. 4. Tenidap sodium 120 mg day-1, at steady state, increased the percentage of unbound phenytoin in plasma by approximately 25%, but did not significantly affect AUC(0,48h) or Cmax. 5. Since tenidap increases the percentage of unbound phenytoin in plasma, when monitoring phenytoin plasma concentrations free concentrations of phenytoin should be considered. 6. Tenidap was well tolerated throughout the study.

Adult↗

In vitro pharmacodynamics of piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ciprofloxacin alone and in combination against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The time-kill curve methodology was used to determine the pharmacodynamics of piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam and the combinations piperacillin-ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin-piperacillin-tazobactam. Kill curve studies were performed for piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam at concentrations of 0.25 to 50 times the MICs for 13 strains of bacteria: four Pseudomonas aeruginosa, three Enterobacter cloacae, three Klebsiella pneumoniae, and three Staphylococcus aureus isolates (tazobactam concentrations of 0.5, 4, and 12 micrograms/ml). By using a sigmoid Emax model and nonlinear least squares regression, the 50% lethal concentrations and the maximum lethal rates of each agent were determined for each bacterial strain. For piperacillin-ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin-piperacillin-tazobactam, kill curve studies were performed with concentrations obtained by the fractional maximal effect method (R. C. Li, J. J. Schentag, and D. E. Nix, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 37:523-531, 1993) and from individual 50% lethal concentrations and maximum lethal rates. Ciprofloxacin-piperacillin-tazobactam was evaluated only against the four P. aeruginosa strains. Interactions between piperacillin and ciprofloxacin were generally additive. At physiologically relevant concentrations of piperacillin and ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin had the highest rates of killing against K. pneumoniae. Piperacillin-tazobactam (12 micrograms/ml) had the highest rate of killing against E. cloacae. Piperacillin-ciprofloxacin with relatively higher ciprofloxacin concentrations had the greatest killing rates against S. aureus. This combination had significantly higher killing rates than piperacillin (P < 0.002). For all the bacterial strains tested, killing rates by ciprofloxacin were significantly higher than those by piperacillin-tazobactam (4 and 12 micrograms/ml had significantly higher killing rates than piperacillin alone (P < 0.02 and P < 0.004, respectively). The effect of the combination of piperacillin-ciprofloxacin, in which piperacillin concentrations were relatively higher, was not statistically different from that of piperacillin alone (p > or = 0.71). The combination of ciprofloxacin-piperacillin-tazobactam achieved greater killing than other combinations or monotherapies against P. aeruginosa. The reduction in the initial inoculum was 1 to 4 logs greater with ciprofloxacin-piperacillin-tazobactam at 4 and 12 micrograms/ml than with any other agent or combination of agents. On the basis of the additive effects prevalently demonstrated in the in vitro study, the combinations of piperacillin-ciprofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam are rational therapeutic options. Greater killing of P. aeruginosa was demonstrated with ciprofloxacin-piperacillin--tazobactam. Since treatment failure of P. aeruginosa pneumonia is a significant problem, clinical studies are warranted.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

The importance of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic surrogate markers to outcome. Focus on antibacterial agents.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic surrogate relationships have been used to describe the antibacterial activity of various classes of antimicrobial agents. Studies that have evaluated these relationships were reviewed to determine which of these surrogate markers were further dependent on antimicrobial class. The fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside agents exhibit concentration-dependent killing. Studies have demonstrated that peak serum concentration: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC): MIC ratios are important predictors of outcome for these antimicrobial agents. Area under the inhibitory concentration-time curve (AUIC24) [i.e. AUC24/MIC] is a useful parameter for describing efficacy for these agents, while an adequate peak concentration: MIC ratio seems necessary to prevent selection of resistant organisms. For beta-lactam antibiotics, the duration of time that the serum concentration exceeds the MIC (T > MIC) was the significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic surrogate in cases where the bacterial inoculum was low, or where very sensitive organisms were tested. However, in studies using more resistant organisms or larger inoculum sizes there is some concentration-dependence to the observed effect. Studies using reasonable dosage intervals have demonstrated covariance between T > MIC and AUC/MIC ratio for beta-lactam antibiotics. Since glycopeptide antibiotics display relatively slow but concentration-independent killing, and are cell wall active agents similar to beta-lactams, it has been presumed that T > MIC is the important pharmacokinetic surrogate related to efficacy for these agents. Some studies have shown that a concentration multiple of the MIC may be necessary for successful outcome with vancomycin. AUIC24 may prove to be an important pharmacokinetic surrogate if both time and concentration are indeed important parameters. To select an appropriate antimicrobial agent, the clinician must consider many patient-specific as well as organism-specific factors. Utilisation of known pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic surrogate relationships should help to optimise treatment outcome.

Aminoglycosides↗

Pharmacodynamics of bolus famotidine versus infused cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine.

A four-way crossover pilot study was conducted to compare the pharmacodynamic response of intermittent famotidine (20 mg every 12 hr) to continuous infusions of cimetidine (1200 mg/24 hr), ranitidine (150 mg/24 hr), and famotidine (40 mg/24 hr) in six normal male volunteers. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 24 hours. Comparisons included percent time during the 24-hour period that gastric pH was greater than pH 4.0, and pH 5.0, and also for the steady-state period of each regimen (12-24 hr). Although no statistically significant difference was observed for any of these comparisons, a clinically relevant trend was observed. In crossover experiments, famotidine intermittent infusions provided gastric pH readings above 4.0 and 5.0 for a longer duration than any of the continuous infusion regimens. Famotidine intermittent infusion regimens (20 mg every 12 hr) are at least equivalent to continuous infusions of cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine. Based on these findings, comparative studies in an appropriate critical care population would be beneficial, but any such studies must use a crossover design because of the even higher degree of intersubject variance in pH control. For this reason, the normal volunteer crossover model used here may provide important comparative information for the various regimens used in suppression of gastric acidity.

Adult↗

Structures and biological activities of tobramycin-ticarcillin adducts.

Aminoglycosides and penicillins chemically interact when they are combined in vitro or in vivo. The resulting adducts are considered to be biologically inactive. The major adducts formed in he interaction between tobramycin and ticarcillin have been recently isolated in pure form in our laboratory. On the basis of mass, infrared, and proton magnetic resonance spectra, the major adducts appeared 10 be amides formed by an attack of the beta-lactam carbonyl group of ticarcillin by an amino group of tobramycin. All other moieties of ticarcillin were intact except that the beta-lactam ring was opened and was rotated by 120-130 degrees . The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the adducts, tobramycin, and ticarcillin were 20.0, 0.25, and 2.0 microg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and 160.0, 0.5, and 8.0 microg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, the major adducts possessed some antimicrobial activity, but not enough to be active in the treatment of infections. As shown by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), the adducts demonstrate some cross-reactivity in the assay of tobramycin. However, it was insufficient to cause significant error in the measurement of tobramycin in human serum.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Pharmacodynamic modeling of bacterial kinetics: beta-lactam antibiotics against Escherichia coli.

A simple pharmacodynamic model has been developed to describe the bacterial kinetics exhibited by beta-lactam antibiotics. In contrast with previous models that only characterized the early killing phase of a time-kill curve, the present model is capable of simultaneously describing both the killing and regrowth phases. The model relied on the use of both first-order bactericidal and resistance formation rate constants to accurately define the time-dependent changes in the bacterial populations of an antibiotic-treated culture. The concentration dependency of the bactericidal rate constant was further delineated using a saturable-receptor model. Furthermore, an exponential decrease in the resistance formation rate with increasing antibiotic concentrations was demonstrated. The evolving pharmacodynamic model was also explored via computer simulations by perturbing the two governing rate constants. The model was subsequently applied to the description of time-kill data for amoxicillin, penicillin G, and cephalexin against Escherichia coli. The description of amdinocillin's action against E. coli was not as comprehensive because of the existence of a second killing phase. However, this model can be applicable to many classes of antibiotics that display the usual killing and regrowth phases in time-kill studies. The pharmacodynamic model can potentially improve the prediction of bacterial killing and regrowth and foster an improved understanding of complex antimicrobial pharmacodynamics.

Amoxicillin↗

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activities of ciprofloxacin against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for which MICs are similar.

The serum bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for which MICs are similar (0.4 microgram/ml) was assessed with serum ultrafiltrates from five healthy volunteers receiving ciprofloxacin at 400 mg intravenously every 8 h. In addition, human serum was supplemented with ciprofloxacin to achieve a mean steady-state concentration (Css) that might be achieved in patients with renal failure, with total clearances of 3 to 4 liters/h (elimination rate constant, 0.08 h-1). The area under the inhibitory titer curve from 0 to 24 h (AUIC24) and the area under the bactericidal titer curve from 0 to 24 h (AUBC24) were both measured and predicted as the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC24)/MIC and AUC24/MBC, respectively. We previously demonstrated that a breakpoint AUC24/MIC of 125 for ciprofloxacin had a significantly higher probability of treatment success than lower values, with 250 to 500 being optimal. Volunteer sera (mean Css, 1.55 to 2.48 micrograms/ml) achieved AUC24/MICs of 90 to 145. Supplemented serum (mean Css, 6.00 to 7.42 micrograms/ml) achieved AUC24/MICs of 350 to 450. Correlation coefficients for measured and predicted values of AUC24/MIC and AUC24/MBC were 0.826 and 0.941, respectively. The mean percent errors were not significantly different from zero for either AUIC24 or AUBC24 values (P > 0.1, P > 0.4). Time-kill curve studies were performed with low (1.55 to 2.48 micrograms/ml), intermediate (6.00 to 7.42 micrograms/ml), and high (15 to 25 micrograms/ml) concentrations of ciprofloxacin for the three organisms. At low concentrations (3 to 6 times the MIC) AUC24/MICs were <125 for two of five volunteers and the killing rates were considerably more rapid for P. aeruginosa than for S. pneumoniae or S.aureus. Intermediate concentrations (15 to 18 times the MIC) achieved optimal AUC24/MICs, and the killing rates were similar for the three organisms. A paradoxical decrease in the killing rate was seen at high concentrations (35 to 60 times the MIC). At clinically achievable concentrations, ciprofloxacin killed P. aeruginosa more rapidly than it did either S. pneumoniae or S. aureus.

Adult↗

Treatment of severe pneumonia in hospitalized patients: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial comparing intravenous ciprofloxacin with imipenem-cilastatin. The Severe Pneumonia Study Group.

Intravenously administered ciprofloxacin was compared with imipenem for the treatment of severe pneumonia. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, which included an intent-to-treat analysis, a total of 405 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. The mean APACHE II score was 17.6, 79% of the patients required mechanical ventilation, and 78% had nosocomial pneumonia. A subgroup of 205 patients (98 ciprofloxacin-treated patients and 107 imipenem-treated patients) were evaluable for the major efficacy endpoints. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous treatment with either ciprofloxacin (400 mg every 8 h) or imipenem (1,000 mg every 8 h), and doses were adjusted for renal function. The primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were bacteriological and clinical responses at 3 to 7 days after completion of therapy. Ciprofloxacin-treated patients had a higher bacteriological eradication rate than did imipenem-treated patients (69 versus 59%; 95% confidence interval of -0.6%, 26.2%; P = 0.069) and also a significantly higher clinical response rate (69 versus 56%; 95% confidence interval of 3.5%, 28.5%; P = 0.021). The greatest difference between ciprofloxacin and imipenem was in eradication of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae (93 versus 65%; P = 0.009). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated the following factors to be associated with bacteriological eradication: absence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P < 0.01), higher weight (P < 0.01), a low APACHE II score (P = 0.03), and treatment with ciprofloxacin (P = 0.04). When P. aeruginosa was recovered from initial respiratory tract cultures, failure to achieve bacteriological eradication and development of resistance during therapy were common in both treatment groups (67 and 33% for ciprofloxacin and 59 and 53% for imipenem, respectively). Seizures were observed more frequently with imipenem than with ciprofloxacin (6 versus 1%; P = 0.028). These results demonstrate that in patients with severe pneumonia, monotherapy with ciprofloxacin is at least equivalent to monotherapy with imipenem in terms of bacteriological eradication and clinical response. For both treatment groups, the presence of P. aeruginosa had a negative impact on treatment success. Seizures were more common with imipenem than with ciprofloxacin. Monotherapy for severe pneumonia is a safe and effective initial strategy but may need to be modified if P. aeruginosa is suspected or recovered from patients.

Adult↗

Application of dual radiotelemetric technique in studying drug-drug interaction between diclofenac sodium and ranitidine HCl in volunteers.

Drug-drug interaction between a commercial diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablet (Voltaren; V) and a ranitidine HCl tablet (Zantac; Z) was evaluated using a dual radiotelemetric technique according to a randomized three-way Latin-Square crossover design balanced for carryover effects. V and Z were given either alone or in combination (Treatment V, Z, V/Z), with a 14-day washout period between treatments. Eighteen fasted subjects swallowed a tethered. Heidelberg pH capsule to provide continuous gastric pH. Then the assigned treatment drug and another Heidelberg pH capsule were given simultaneously. The free pH capsule provided information regarding gastric residence time (GRT). Serial blood samples were obtained for up to 12 hr after dosing and drug levels were determined by validated HPLC methods. Treatment effects on AUC, Cmax, Tmax, Tlag, Tmax-Tlag, and T1/2 were not significant except Cmax, which differed slightly for both V and Z when given in combination as compared to alone. Gastric residence times were 46, 33, and 51 min for Treatments V, Z, and V/Z, respectively. Gastric exposure of the enteric-coated tablet of diclofenac was estimated by pH values obtained from the tethered capsule. Median pH values at 3 and 15 min prior to gastric emptying were 3.8 and 4.9 for the combination treatment versus 2.1 and 2.7 for diclofenac alone. The results of this study indicated that there was minimal drug-drug interaction between diclofenac and ranitidine. The gastric pH range resulting from this study did not influence the oral absorption of enteric-coated diclofenac.

Adult↗

The development of a bedside algorithm capable of targeting anti-endotoxins to the responder subpopulations.

The published selection criteria for use of anti-endotoxin antibodies are modeled on the criteria used in protocol enrollment of patients. These criteria are not suitable for therapeutic decision-making, because the trials themselves prove that the enrollment criteria have both low sensitivity and low specificity. In order to develop a selection method with greater sensitivity and specificity, we examined the charts and records of 23 patients that we enrolled in the multicenter trials of E5 and HA-1A. We retrospectively determined that seven of our 23 enrolled patients were optimal candidates, based on a pattern of rapid clinical deterioration followed by improvement in 24-96 h. We then explored a variety of different modes of bedside patient selection, in search of a method to select as many of the seven optimal candidates as possible while at the same time rejecting the greatest number of the 16 who showed no benefit when treated. None of the resulting selection methods has perfect performance, but nearly all were better than the original protocol enrollment criteria. In our patients, bacteremia had 57% sensitivity and 56% specificity, which was quite similar to the findings in the HA-1A multicenter trial. Shock had 100% sensitivity and 44% specificity, while a baseline organ dysfunction score of > or = 5 had 100% sensitivity and 69% specificity. A new algorithm that we developed based on a patient's need for vasopressors and baseline organ dysfunction had 100% sensitivity and 81% specificity. This algorithm could identify all seven of the optimal candidates, plus three more.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

New turbidimetric assay for quantitation of viable bacterial densities.

A turbidimetric assay was developed and validated against Escherichia coli for the quantitation of viable bacterial densities. The Abbott MS-2 research system was employed for continuous 5-min measurements of optical density. A linear standard curve was obtained by regressing the initial bacterial density (log CFU per milliliter) against the time required for bacterial growth causing a 5% decrease in optical transmittance. Slope and intercept values obtained from eight standard curves showed excellent assay reproducibility. Results obtained by the turbidimetric assay compared favorably to those obtained by the conventional pour plate assay. Prior to the application of the new assay, possible interferences of postantibiotic effect induced by the test antibiotics were excluded. The turbidimetric assay, which is presumably more efficient and less expensive, was implemented for the time-kill studies of three different beta-lactams against E. coli.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The fractional maximal effect method: a new way to characterize the effect of antibiotic combinations and other nonlinear pharmacodynamic interactions.

The checkerboard technique leading to the fractional inhibitory concentration indexes and the killing curve method are currently the most widely used methods to study antibiotic combinations. For both methods, experimental conditions and interpretation criteria are somewhat arbitrary. The relevance of the fractional inhibitory concentration index computation, in the classic case of additivity [P = d1/(D1)p + d2/(D2)p, where d1 and d2 are the doses of drugs 1 and 2 in combination to produce an effect at a percent level (P) and (D1)p and (D2)p are the doses required for the two respective drugs alone to produce the same effect] relies on the assumption of a linear relationship between the MIC and the concentration of the test antibiotics. In addition, there is no consensus as to the definition of synergy in killing curve interpretation. The fractional maximal effect (FME) method is a new approach which was developed to handle the nonlinear pharmacodynamics exhibited by antibiotics and other drugs. This method relies on the mathematical linearization of the nonlinear concentration-effect scales and eventual construction of an isobologram-type data plot. The FME method was applied to study interactions between several antibiotic combinations: amoxicillin and tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, and ticarcillin and tobramycin. These combinations were selected because the pharmacologic basis for their interactions has been previously described. The FME method correctly identified antagonism for the first two combinations and synergism for the last combination. Conclusions were reproducible across the range of concentrations studied. Besides providing information on the nature of the interaction, the method can rapidly explore the effect of changing concentration ratios of two antimicrobial agents on the degrees of interaction. The FME method may be applied to interactions between drugs or agents with either a linear or nonlinear endpoint measurement. Methods frequently used for drug combination testing are also discussed in the paper.

Amoxicillin↗

Development of a population pharmacokinetic model and optimal sampling strategies for intravenous ciprofloxacin.

Data obtained from 74 acutely ill patients treated in two clinical efficacy trials were used to develop a population model of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (i.v.) ciprofloxacin. Dosage regimens ranged between 200 mg every 12 h and 400 mg every 8 h. Plasma samples (2 to 19 per patient; mean +/- standard deviation = 7 +/- 5) were obtained and assayed (by high-performance liquid chromatography) for ciprofloxacin. These data and patient covariates were modelled by iterative two-stage analysis, an approach which generates pharmacokinetic parameter values for both the population and each individual patient. The final model was used to implement a maximum a posteriori-Bayesian pharmacokinetic parameter value estimator. Optimal sampling theory was used to determine the best (maximally informative) two-, three-, four-, five-, and six-sample study designs (e.g., optimal sampling strategy 2 [OSS2] was the two-sample strategy) for identifying a patient's pharmacokinetic parameter values. These OSSs and the population model were evaluated by selecting the relatively rich data sets, those with 7 to 10 samples obtained in a single dose interval (n = 29), and comparing the parameter estimates (obtained by the maximum a posteriori-Bayesian estimator) based on each of the OSSs with those obtained by fitting all of the available data from each patient. Distributional clearance and apparent volumes were significantly related to body size (e.g., weight in kilograms or body surface area in meters squared); plasma clearance (CLT in liters per hour) was related to body size and renal function (creatinine clearance [CLCR] in milliliters per minute per 1.73 m2) by the equation CLT = (0.00145.CLCR + 0.167).weight. However, only 30% of the variance in CLT was explained by this relationship, and no other patient covariates were significant. Compared with previously published data, this target population had smaller distribution volumes (by 30%; P < 0.01) and CLT (by 44%; P < 0.001) than weight- and CLCR- matched stable volunteers. OSSs provided parameter estimates that showed good to excellent estimates of CLT (or area under the concentrations-time curve [AUC]) were unbiased and precise (e.g., r2 for AUC for all data versus AUC for OSS2 was > 0.99) and concentration-time profiles were accurately reconstructed. These results will be used to model the pharmacodynamic relationships between ciprofloxacin exposure and response and to aid in developing algorithms for individual optimization of ciprofloxacin dosage regimens.

Adult↗

Pharmacodynamics of intravenous ciprofloxacin in seriously ill patients.

Seventy-four acutely ill patients were treated with intravenous ciprofloxacin at dosages ranging between 200 mg every 12 h and 400 mg every 8 h. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis relating drug exposure (and other factors) to infectious outcome was performed. Plasma samples were obtained and assayed for ciprofloxacin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples from patients were frequently cultured so that the day of bacterial eradication could be determined. The pharmacokinetic data were fitted by iterative two-stage analysis, assuming a linear two-compartment model. Logistic regression was used to model ciprofloxacin exposure (and other potential covariates) versus the probabilities of achieving clinical and microbiologic cures. The same variables were also modelled versus the time to bacterial eradication by proportional hazards regression. The independent variables considered were dose, site of infection, infecting organism and the MIC for it, percent time above the MIC, peak, peak/MIC ratio, trough, trough/MIC ratio, 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), AUC/MIC ratio (AUIC), presence of other active antibacterial agents, and patient characteristics. The most important predictor for all three measures of ciprofloxacin pharmacodynamics was the AUIC. A 24-h AUIC of 125 SIT-1.h (inverse serum inhibitory titer integrated over time) was found to be a significant breakpoint for probabilities of both clinical and microbiologic cures. At an AUIC below 125 (19 patients), the percent probabilities of clinical and microbiologic cures were 42 and 26%, respectively. At an AUIC above 125 (45 patients), the probabilities were 80% (P < 0.005) and 82% (P < 0.001), respectively. There were two significant breakpoints in the time-to-bacterial-eradication data. At an AUIC below 125 (21 patients), the median time to eradication exceeded 32 days; at an AUIC of 125 to 250 (15 patients), time to eradication was 6.6 days: and at AUIC above 250 (28 patients), the median time to eradication was 1.9 days (groups differed; P < 0.005). These findings, when combined with pharmacokinetic data reported in the companion article, provide the rationale and tools needed for targeting the dosage of intravenous ciprofloxacin to individual patients' pharmacokinetics and their bacterial pathogens' susceptibilities. An a priori dosing algorithm (based on MIC, patient creatine clearance and weight, and the clinician-specified AUIC target) was developed. This approach was shown, retrospectively, to be more precise than current guidelines, and it can be used to achieve more rapid bacteriologic and clinical responses to ciprofloxacin, as a consequence of targeting the AUIC.

Adult↗

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of acid-suppressive agents in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of gastric acid-suppressive agents in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are discussed. The acid-suppressive potencies of the histamine H2-receptor antagonists vary widely because of differences in clearance and other factors. The durations of action of cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are similar to the dosage intervals usually chosen (6, 8, and 12 hours, respectively). Single bedtime doses of these drugs will effectively treat duodenal ulcer disease, but GERD requires a different approach since its symptoms are not well controlled by partial (less than 24-hour) suppression of gastric acid. One way to achieve greater efficacy in treating GERD is to administer higher doses more frequently. Another approach is to adjust the dosage upward until symptoms disappear. The improved acid-suppression characteristic of the proton-pump inhibitors was quickly applied to GERD therapy. Unlike the H2 antagonists, omeprazole completely suppresses circadian peaks in acid secretion, and omeprazole performs better than ranitidine in clinical trials. The use of omeprazole is limited, however, by concerns over secondary elevation of serum gastrin and the association between achlorhydria and gastric carcinoma in rats. Omeprazole may offer cost advantages over other agents. Because the effective dosages of all these agents vary, individualized dosage-adjustment strategies are necessary. Pharmacists can help to optimize treatment by monitoring pharmacodynamic markers. With a flexible approach to drug and dosage selection, it should be possible to manage GERD in most patients in a cost-effective manner.

Gastric Acid↗

The results of a targeted pharmacy intervention program.

Increasing resistance to ceftazidime and some other beta-lactam antibiotics developed among Enterobacter species after use of ceftazidime increased at a 500-bed community teaching hospital. Severe restrictions on the use of ceftazidime were imposed by pharmacy intervention. For empiric therapy of severe infections, a combination of tobramycin plus piperacillin was most frequently substituted for ceftazidime. Susceptibility patterns of Enterobacter returned to baseline within 3 months after active intervention reduced use of ceftazidime by 98% of its peak. There was no development of enhanced resistance to tobramycin or piperacillin or to other antibiotics on the formulary. It is concluded that active pharmacy intervention resulted in reversion of susceptibility of Enterobacter species to baseline for ceftazidime and the other beta-lactam antibiotics (ie, aztreonam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, mezlocillin, and piperacillin) for which covariance (ie, parallel decline of organisms' sensitivities) or cross-resistance had developed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗