Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of ciprofloxacin 250 mg/12 h versus 500 mg/24 h for urinary infections.
Sanchez Navarro, M. Dolores; Sayalero Marinero, M. Luisa; Sanchez Navarro, Amparo *
[Article] Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 50(1):67-72, July 2002.

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A simulation study was performed to evaluate and compare the standard dosage regimen of 250 mg/12 h versus 500 mg/24 h of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Pharmacokinetic parameters reported for healthy young and old individuals were used for the simulation of drug levels in urine, at different mean urine flow rates (1-2.5 L/day). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of the results revealed that 500 mg ciprofloxacin once a day produced a more favourable profile in urine than 250 mg/12 h, particularly in the elderly, due to the slower elimination of the drug in this group of patients. Circadian rhythms were also considered for the simulation of drug levels in urine. According to the results, 500 mg once a day administered in the morning would be a better choice than 250 mg/12 h at least for uncomplicated UTI; nevertheless, clinical assays are needed to prove this hypothesis.

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