Serum concentrations of chloramphenicol following intravenous and intramuscular administration.

Abstract

Abstract In fifty patients serum chloramphenicol levels were determined following the intravenous administration of a new parenteral preparation. Following a single injection of 1.0 Gm., serum concentrations averaged 20 μg. per cubic centimeter at one hour, and gradually declined to an average of 2.4 μg. per cubic centimeter at twenty-four hours. Following 0.5 Gm. intravenously, the serum concentrations fell from an average of 10 μg. per cubic centimeter at one hour to 3.8 μg. per cubic centimeter at twelve hours. When levels following oral and intravenous administration were compared, it was found that serum concentrations were slightly higher with the intravenous route at three hours, but were twice as high at twelve hours, and persisted for a longer period than with the oral route. From the data obtained, it would appear that when chloramphenicol is indicated, and oral administration is not feasible, 1.0 Gm. every twelve hours intravenously will provide effective therapy. The parenteral preparation was also well tolerated by the intramuscular route, but did not give serum levels adequate for the therapy of most infections.