Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of cefepime

The pharmacokinetics of cefepime were studied following a 2 g intravenous infusion, by measuring concentrations in plasma, inflammatory fluid and urine. Mean peak plasma concentrations of 193.1 mg/l were achieved at the end of the 30 min infusion. The mean plasma elimination half-life was 2.1 h. Penetration into inflammatory fluid was rapid, with mean peak levels of 91.5 mg/l occurring 0.9 h after the end of the infusion. Urinary elimination accounted for 98.9% of the dose within 8 h. Therapeutic plasma levels (greater than 2 mg/l) were present for at least 8 h after the end of the infusion, suggesting that twice or three times daily dosing should be sufficient to treat infections due to susceptible organisms.