Gentamicin and ampicillin in human bile.

Abstract

Concentrations of antibiotic in bile were measured following the administration of intramuscular gentamicin to five patients and intravenous ampicillin to one. Biliary gentamicin excretion by four individuals with abnormal hepatic function was minimal. Gentamicin levels in the bile of one patient with essentially normal hepatic function were 33% and 88% of those in serum. Intravenous ampicillin yielded high peak values in the bile and serum of one person with deranged hepatic function.