PHARMACOKINETICS AND TISSUE PENETRATION OF RUFLOXACIN, A LONG-ACTING QUINOLONE ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT

The pharmacokinetics of rufloxacin after a single 400 mg oral dose were studied in eight volunteers, measuring plasma, inflammatory fluid and urine concentrations. Mean peak plasma concentrations of 4-4 mgL were achieved at a mean time of 1-9 h after administration. The mean plasma elimination half-life was 28-2 h. Mean peak levels in inflammatory fluid reached 3-2 mgL after 3-5 h, and 30-7 of the dose was eliminated in urine by 96 h. The apparent mean volume of distribution of rufloxacin, at steady state, was 109-5 L. The mean percentage penetration of rufloxacin into the inflammatory exudate, as measured by ratios of AUQ JO h was 90. © 1991 by The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.