Effects of antacids on absorption, excretion and metabolism of cefteram pivoxil

Abstract

Effects of various antacids (sodium bicarbonate, aluminium hydroxide gel) and an H2-blocker (cimetidine) on the absorption and excretion of a new cephem drug for oral use, cefteram pivoxil (CFTM-PI), were studied in healthy adult volunteers. 1. No significant differences were found in serum levels of CFTM and CFTM-A (an inactive isomer of cefteram (CFTM)) or their urinary excretion levels (concentration, recovery rate) between the group given CFTM-PI in combination with sodium bicarbonate and that given CFTM-PI alone. 2. There were no significant differences in serum levels of CFTM and CFTM-A or their urinary excretion levels (concentration, recovery rate) between the group given CFTM-PI in combination with aluminium hydroxide gel and that given CFTM-PI alone. 3. In contrast, serum levels of CFTM and its urinary recovery rate were significantly less in the group given the drug in combination with cimetidine than in that given a single administration 2-3.5 hours and 2-4 hours after administration, respectively. Clinical considerations remain.