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J C Rotschafer

Publications and source records attributed to J C Rotschafer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The concentration-independent effect of monoexponential and biexponential decay in vancomycin concentrations on the killing of Staphylococcus aureus under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

An in-vitro pharmacodynamic system was used to generate time-kill curves to demonstrate the concentration-independent pharmacodynamics of vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213. Initial vancomycin concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L were studied monoexponentially while simulating a 6 h half-life. One parallel experiment was performed in duplicate using an initial peak concentration of 40 mg/L where both a distribution alpha-phase half-life of 0.66 h for 1 h and an elimination beta-phase half-life of 6 h for 11 h were simulated to determine if the transient distribution phase concentrations of vancomycin have any impact on bacterial killing beyond that provided by the elimination phase concentrations. Additionally, two monoexponential experiments with peak concentrations of 40 and 20 mg/L and a half-life of 6 h were repeated in an anaerobic chamber to determine if killing of S. aureus was affected. The time to achieve a 3 log10 kill was calculated from the linear portion of the regression line and averaged (mean +/- S.D.) 9.0 +/- 1.4 h for all aerobic monoexponential experiments and was 8.4 and 8.6 h for the aerobic biexponential experiments (P > 0.05). For the anaerobic studies, the times to reach 3 log10 kill were significantly greater averaging 18.9 +/- 1.7 h. The slopes of the bacterial kill curves were virtually identical for both monoexponential and biexponential aerobic experiments averaging -0.34 +/- 0.04, yet significantly different from the anaerobic bacterial kill curve slopes of -0.16 +/- 0.015 (P < 0.05). Time-kill curve analyses suggest that varying the concentration of vancomycin does not affect the rate or extent of bacterial killing aerobically or anaerobically against S. aureus and more efficient killing was achieved under aerobic conditions. The simulated distribution phase concentrations did not contribute to more effective killing of this strain of S. aureus.

Aerobiosis↗

Twenty-four-hour area under the concentration-time curve/MIC ratio as a generic predictor of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial effect by using three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and an in vitro pharmacodynamic model.

Several investigators have suggested that the 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio (AUC/MIC24 or AUIC24) can be used to make comparisons of antimicrobial activity between fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Limited data exist regarding the generic predictive ability of AUC/MIC24 for the antimicrobial effects of fluoroquinolones. The purposes of the present investigation were to determine if the AUC/MIC24 can be used as a generic outcome predictor of fluoroquinolone antibacterial activity and to determine if a similar AUC/MIC24 breakpoint can be established for different fluoroquinolones. Using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model, 29 duplicate concentration time-kill curve experiments simulated AUC/MIC24s ranging from 52 to 508 SIT-1.h (inverse serum inhibitory titer integrated over time) with ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin against three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each 24-h experiment was performed in cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton broth with a starting inoculum of 10(6) CFU/ml. At timed intervals cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton broth samples were collected for CFU and fluoroquinolone concentration determinations. Transformation of bacterial counts into the cumulative bacterial effect parameter of the 24-h area under the effect curve (AUEC24) was performed for each concentration time-kill curve. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare pharmacodynamic predictors (AUC/MIC24, 24-h AUC, peak concentration [Cmax] to MIC ratios [Cmax:MIC], etc.) with ln AUEC24. To identify threshold breakpoint AUC/MIC24s, AUEC24s were stratified by the magnitude of AUC/MIC24 into subgroups, which were analyzed for differences in antibacterial effect. The Kruskal-Wallis test and subsequent Tukey's multiple comparison test were used to determine which AUC/MIC subgroups were significantly different. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only AUC/MIC24 (r2 = 0.65) and MIC (r2 = 0.03) were significantly correlated with antibacterial effect. At similar AUC/MIC24s, yet different MICs, Cmaxs, or elimination half-lives, the AUEC24s were similar for both fluoroquinolones. The relationship between AUC/MIC24 and ln AUEC24 was best described by a sigmoidal maximal antimicrobial effect (Emax) model (r2 = 0.72; Emax = 9.1; AUC/MIC50 = 119 SIT-1.h; S = 2.01 [S is an exponent that reflects the degree of sigmoidicity]). Ciprofloxacin-bacteria AUC/MIC24 values of < 100 SIT-1.h were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the AUC/MIC24 values of > 100 SIT-1.h. An ofloxacin AUC/MIC24 of > 100 SIT-1.h and an AUC/MIC24 of < 100 SIT-1.h exhibited a trend toward a significant difference (P > 0.05 but < 0.1). The inverse relationship between drug exposure and MIC increase postexposure was described by a sigmoidal fixed Emax model (AUC/MIC24, r2 = 0.40; AUC/MIC50 = 95 SIT-1.h; S = 1.97; Cmax:MIC, r2 = 0.41; Cmax:MIC50 = 7.3; S = 2.01). These data suggest that AUC/MIC24 may be the most descriptive measurement of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, that ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin have similar AUC/MIC24 threshold breakpoints at approximately 100 SIT-1.h, that the concentration-dependent selection of resistant organisms may parallel the threshold breakpoint of the antimicrobial effect, and that AUC/MIC24 generically describes the antibacterial effects of different fluoroquinolones.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Combination beta-lactam and beta-lactamase-inhibitor products: antimicrobial activity and efficiency of enzyme inhibition.

Classification schemes for gram-negative beta-lactamases are presented, mechanisms by which beta-lactamases inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics are reviewed, and methods for assessing the efficiency of beta-lactamase inhibitors are evaluated. Beta-lactamases are commonly produced by Staphylococcus species, the Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, and some anaerobes. Currently available beta-lactamase inhibitors are thought to be "suicide inhibitors" that form stable complexes between the bacterial beta-lactamase and the beta-lactamase inhibitor in a multistep chemical reaction. Each step can be quantitated; however, the overall process is difficult to measure. Thus, a comparative evaluation of commercially available beta-lactamase inhibitors is extremely difficult and must be done under standardized test conditions. In general, sulbactam, clavulanate, and tazobactam are all potent inhibitors of staphylococcal penicillinase; chromosomal beta-lactamases produced by Bacteroides species, Proteus vulgaris, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae; and type IV enzymes of Klebsiella species. Although sulbactam possesses activity against TEM-1 and TEM-2 beta-lactamases, it does not have reliable activity against SHV-1 beta-lactamases. Clavulanate and tazobactam are potent inhibitors of both TEM and SHV-1 beta-lactamases. P. aeruginosa and some Enterobacteriaceae produce an inducible, extremely potent, broad-spectrum enzyme (type I beta-lactamase). Tazobactam is the only currently available. beta-lactamase inhibitor with activity against type I beta-lactamases; however, some enzymes are not inhibited by tazobactam.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Effect of aerobic and anaerobic environments on antistaphylococcal activities of five fluoroquinolones.

A previously established in vitro pharmacodynamic system was used to evaluate the antistaphylococcal activities of five fluoroquinolones under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 was exposed to a 5-micrograms/ml concentration of each of the following fluoroquinolones: ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, temafloxacin, sparfloxacin, and clinafloxacin. Terminal elimination half-lives of 4, 6, 8, 8, and 13 h were simulated for the respective drugs. Each fluoroquinolone was bactericidal under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the bactericidal activity of each fluoroquinolone was delayed by anaerobiosis. This difference in fluoroquinolone activity under aerobic and anaerobic conditions could not be attributed to any particular parameter or physiochemical property but was most likely caused by a combination of factors (e.g., variations in hydrophobicity, intracellular pH, antibiotic concentration, and structure-activity relationships). Fluoroquinolone uptake studies were also performed to investigate the possibility of active, energy-dependent transport mechanisms in S. aureus ATCC 29213. Uptake studies indicated that active efflux does occur in S. aureus ATCC 29213.

Anaerobiosis↗

A comparative assessment of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in the young versus the elderly hospitalized patient.

The incidence of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was determined in a younger (age < 60 y) versus elderly (age > or = 60 y) hospitalized adult population to identify associated drug- and nondrug-related risk factors. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an acute increase in serum creatinine of > or = 44.2 mumol/L if baseline serum creatinine was < or = 221 mumol/L or an increase in serum creatinine of > or = 88.4 mumol/L if baseline serum creatinine > 221 mumol/L. A total of 289 patients, 141 younger (mean age, +/- S.D. 37.9 +/- 12.4 y) and 148 elderly (73.6 +/- 8.5 years), was retrospectively reviewed. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 7.8% younger vs 18.9% elderly patients (P = 0.003). Using multivariate logistic regression models for the pooled patient population, concurrent loop diuretic use was significantly associated with vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (relative risk (R.R.) = 5.06); for the younger population, only concurrent amphotericin B use was significantly associated with vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (R.R. = 6.65); and for the elderly population, only concurrent loop diuretic use was significantly associated with vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (R.R. = 9.70). These data suggest that elderly patients are at significantly greater risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity than are younger patients. However, because age was not a significant risk factor for nephrotoxicity in comparing the pooled vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity group compared to the non-nephrotoxicity group, the differences observed between age groups probably reflect differences in risk factor prevalence.

Adolescent↗

Bayesian forecasting of serum vancomycin concentrations with non-steady-state sampling strategies.

The application of three non-steady-state sampling strategies and the fitting of either three or five pharmacokinetic parameter estimates by a two-compartment Bayesian forecasting program was evaluated retrospectively in 27 adult patients with stable renal function. Sampling strategies included a single midpoint concentration, a set of peak and trough concentrations, and three serial vancomycin concentrations. The most precise and least-bias predictions of steady-state peak vancomycin concentrations were observed by using population-based parameter estimates [mean prediction error (ME) = -0.40 and mean absolute error = 5.77]. The addition of non-steady-state feedback concentration(s) did not provide additional information for predictions of future steady-state peak concentrations. The least-bias prediction of steady-state trough vancomycin concentrations was seen when a single midpoint non-steady-state concentration was used (ME = 0.92 and -0.17 for five and three fitted parameter estimates, respectively). The MEs of serial and peak and trough feedback strategies were similar in magnitude to those obtained using population parameters, but in opposite directions (underprediction vs. overprediction, respectively). The fitting of only three parameters produced results similar to those using five parameters. The results from this study confirm our previous evaluation that non-steady-state concentrations provide very minimal information to Bayesian forecasting of future steady-state concentrations.

Adult↗

Comparison of gentamicin pharmacokinetic parameters determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and latex agglutination methods.

Fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) (TDx, Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics, Irvin, TX, U.S.A.) is commonly utilized for quantitative determination of gentamicin serum concentrations. Recently, automated homogeneous latex agglutination (LA) (Technicon Immuno-1, Miles Diagnostics Division, Tarrytown, NY, U.S.A.) for the quantitative determination of gentamicin serum concentrations has been approved for commercial use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gentamicin serum concentration-time data from the same patients assayed by FPIA and LA would produce the same estimates for half-life, elimination rate constant, distribution volume, drug clearance, dosage interval, and dose. A total of 70 pre- and postinfusion serum samples were obtained from 19 patients. Each sample was divided into two aliquots; one was assayed by FPIA and the other by LA. The correlation coefficient between the two assay methods was 0.99 (y = 1.03x - 0.05). The mean differences for half-life, volume of distribution, elimination rate constant, total body clearance, and gentamicin dosage were 0.13, 0.32, 0.66, -0.99, and 0.03%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were seen in calculated gentamicin pharmacokinetic parameters (p < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic parameters and dosage recommendations derived from FPIA and the LA assay using pre- and postinfusion serum concentration-time data appear interchangeable and do not result in differences between gentamicin dosing regimens.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin against three strains of Haemophilus influenzae by using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model.

An in vitro pharmacodynamic model was used to simulate the in vivo pharmacokinetics of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin in order to generate time-kill curves for three clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae (isolates 2019, 91-183, and 1746). Representative concentrations in serum or lung tissue and the pharmacokinetic parameters of clarithromycin and the 14-hydroxy metabolite, separately and in combination, were simulated for the time-kill studies. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was used as a control drug. The simulation of typical concentrations of the macrolides in serum in time-kill studies resulted in magnitudes of bacterial killing that were less than (for strains 2019 and 91-183, MICs = 4 mg/liter for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin) or equal to (for strain 1746, MIC = 1 mg/liter for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin) those observed in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid studies. When typical concentrations in lung tissue were simulated, total log decreases in bacterial counts were greater than those achieved with typical concentrations in serum and, in the case of strain 1746, exceeded the magnitude observed with the control drug. In each case, the time to 3-log-unit killing was longer for the macrolides than for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Time-kill curve analyses demonstrated the presence of synergy (defined as a 2-log-unit decrease in the CFU per milliliter between the combination and the most active constituent at any time point) for the combination of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin at simulated concentrations in serum for one strain of H. influenzae (isolate 91-183). Synergism is likely bacterial strain specific, and the presence of synergy may be dependent on the antibiotic concentrations that are tested. Evaluation of the kill curve kinetics in terms of bactericidal rate for the various starting concentrations of clarithromycin did not result in a clear demonstration of either concentration-dependent or concentration-independent bactericidal activity.

Amoxicillin↗

Clostridium difficile colonization in residents of long-term care facilities: prevalence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the period prevalence of Clostridium difficile disease and asymptomatic carriage in the residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) and to characterize the risk factors for colonization or associated disease. DESIGN: Period prevalence survey. SETTING: Two long-term care facilities in St. Paul, MN. PARTICIPANTS: Specimens were collected from 225 LTCF residents. MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was the culture result for C. difficile, which was isolated and identified using selective culture media and a commercial anaerobe identification kit. Tissue culture assay was used to detect the ability of each C. difficile isolate to produce toxin. Independent variables (including gender, age, race, current medical diagnoses, severity of underlying disease, case mix, current clinical symptoms, current medications, antibiotic use within 4 weeks prior to specimen procurement, and other pertinent history) were obtained from the current medical record of each participant. RESULTS: Of 225 stool cultures that were obtained, 16 (7.1%) were positive for C. difficile. None of the residents with a positive culture was symptomatic. History of nosocomial infection and the use of antibiotics in general, cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and histamine-2 blockers were significantly associated with positive C. difficile culture (P < or = 0.05) by univariate analyses. Trends towards significance (0.05 < 0.10) were noted for narcotic use, previous hospitalization, LTCF, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant, independent predictors of positive culture: antibiotic use in general (P = 0.028; relative risk = 3.31), histamine-2 antagonist use (P = 0.038; relative risk = 3.27), cephalosporin use (P = 0.038; relative risk = 4.66), and TMP/SMX use (P = 0.007; relative risk = 8.45). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antibiotics, particularly cephalosporins and TMP/SMX, is a significant risk factor for asymptomatic carriage of C. difficile in long-term care facilities. The use of H-2 blockers was also a significant risk factor for carriage; however, this finding has not been reported previously and should be confirmed by independent studies. These medications should be used judiciously in the LTCF population. When diarrheal diseases are encountered in LTCF residents, a high index of suspicion for C. difficile infection should be maintained and the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures taken.

Aged↗

Evaluation of activity of temafloxacin against Bacteroides fragilis by an in vitro pharmacodynamic system.

An in vitro pharmacodynamic system has been successfully adapted to simulate in vivo antimicrobial pharmacokinetics under anaerobic conditions. This system was used to perform time-kill kinetic studies which were designed to compare the activity of temafloxacin to ciprofloxacin and cefotetan against two strains of Bacteroides fragilis (ATCC 25285 and ATCC 23745). All experiments were performed as single-dose, 24-h, duplicate runs. Starting bacterial inocula of 10(7) CFU/ml were exposed to starting antimicrobial concentrations of 5 micrograms of temafloxacin per ml, 5 micrograms of ciprofloxacin per ml, and 100 micrograms of cefotetan per ml. Terminal half-lives of 8, 4, and 4 h were simulated for each antimicrobial agent. Temafloxacin was rapidly bactericidal against B. fragilis. Ciprofloxacin was not bactericidal (< 3 log10 unit decline in bacterial numbers) to either strain of B. fragilis. Cefotetan was bactericidal (> or = 3 log10 unit decline in bacterial numbers) to each strain but killed at a slower rate than temafloxacin. Times to 3 log10 unit declines of strain ATCC 25285 were 2, 4, and > 24 h, whereas those of strain ATCC 23745 were 4, 4, and > 24 h for temafloxacin, cefotetan, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Total logarithmic declines of strain ATCC 25285 were > 4.5, > 4.5, and 2.9 log10 CFU/ml, whereas those of strain ATCC 23745 were 4.1, > 4.5, and 1.2 log10 CFU/ml for each drug, respectively. These and other studies demonstrated that temafloxacin showed potential as an agent that could have been further developed for use in the treatment of anaerobic infections. However, the drug was removed from the market by its manufacturer because of toxicity issues. Although the release of newer fluoroquinolones that possess significant activity against anaerobic bacteria does not appear imminent, the time-kill studies performed in this study demonstrate that further research is warranted in the development of fluoroquinolones which possess significant antianaerobic activity.

Anaerobiosis↗

Effect of obesity on vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters as determined by using a Bayesian forecasting technique.

Few data exist concerning the effect of obesity on the pharmacokinetic parameters of vancomycin. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of obesity on vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in 95 nonobese and 135 obese adult patients (age range, 18 to 92 years) receiving vancomycin. All subjects had normal renal function as defined by a creatinine concentration in serum of < or = 1.5 mg/dl (mean estimated creatinine clearance +/- 1 standard deviation, 76 +/- 34; range, 23 to 215 ml/min). Vancomycin concentrations in serum were determined by the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. All data for vancomycin concentration in serum versus time for each course of therapy were fitted by using a two-compartment Bayesian forecasting program. Subjects were stratified into nine groups on the basis of the percent difference between actual body weight (ABW) and lean body weight (LBW) (> -10%, -10 to 0%, > 0 to 10%, > 10 to 20%, > 20 to 30%, > 30 to 40%, > 40 to 50%, > 50 to 60%, > 60%). Analysis of variance with post hoc Scheffe's testing revealed that statistically significant differences occurred in terminal disposition half-life (t1/2 beta) between the extremes of modestly obese (group 4) and morbidly obese (group 9, P < 0.05) patients. Similar analysis with distribution volume (V) identified significant differences in patients at or near their LBW (groups 2 to 4) and patients who were morbidly obese (groups 8 and 9, P < 0.05). Multiple regression models for the pharmacokinetic parameters V, t1/2beta, and vancomycin total body clearance were developed to assess the joint predictive power of LBW, ABW, and percent over LBW, controlling for the effects of age, initial creatinine concentration in serum, initial creatinine clearance, and gender. In the final model for V, both ABW and percent over LBW were independent and significant predictors. For total body clearance, only ABW was significant and predictive. Percent over LBW was a significant and independent predictor of t1/2beta. LBW is not predictive of these pharmacokinetic parameters and should not be used for initial dosing. On the basis of these data, ABW appears to be superior to LBW for calculating initial dose requirements for vancomycin.

Adolescent↗

Elimination of quinolone antibiotic carryover through use of antibiotic-removal beads.

To prove the utility of antibiotic-removal beads in separating antibiotics from bacterial samples, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was exposed to five separate quinolones before and after each was exposed to antibiotic-removal beads. Plates treated with antibiotic solutions that were exposed to beads demonstrated antibiotic removal, and plates treated with antibiotic solutions that were not exposed to beads demonstrated antibiotic carryover. After exposure to beads, fluoroquinolone concentrations decreased from 5 micrograms/ml to 0.14 micrograms/ml (ciprofloxacin), 0.04 micrograms/ml (temafloxacin), < 0.01 microgram/ml (ofloxacin), < 0.01 microgram/ml (sparfloxacin), and 0.02 micrograms/ml (clinafloxacin). These data indicate that antibiotic carryover can be successfully circumvented through the use of antibiotic-removal beads.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

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Aminoglycosides↗

An in vitro pharmacodynamic model to simulate antibiotic behavior of acute otitis media with effusion.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop an in vitro pharmacodynamic model (IVPM) that would simultaneously simulate in vivo serum and middle ear amoxicillin pharmacokinetic characteristics of acute (purulent) otitis media and then utilize the IVPM to assess amoxicillin-mediated killing of a type 7F Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC = 0.002 mg/L). The IVPM consisted of a sterile central compartment and a membrane-bound "infected" peripheral compartment. Peak peripheral compartment amoxicillin concentrations occurred within 2 hr after its introduction into the central compartment and were approximately 30% of peak central compartment concentrations. Amoxicillin elimination from the central compartment was designed to provide a 1-hr t 1/2. Amoxicillin elimination from the peripheral compartment was slower than from the central compartment, with an average half-life of 2.3 hr. Significant concentration-related differences in maximal bacterial kill rates were not detected over the range of amoxicillin concentrations studied (0.26 to 14.6 mg/L). However, at peak central compartment amoxicillin concentrations of less than or equal to 2 mg/L, a lag phase in killing was observed. In general, the in vitro pharmacokinetic data derived from this model compare well with published in vivo data.

Amoxicillin↗

Investigation of the early killing of Staphylococcus aureus by daptomycin by using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model.

The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmacodynamic model to describe the dependency of the rate of Staphylococcus aureus killing upon the concentration of daptomycin. A range of free (unbound) daptomycin concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 27 times the MIC were simulated in the peripheral compartment of a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Log-linear regression of free daptomycin concentrations versus growth or kill rate constants showed a significant correlation (r = -0.90; P less than 0.001). A Lineweaver-Burk plot of the reciprocal transformation of these data yielded a poor fit (r = -0.38; P greater than 0.05). When a Lineweaver-Burk-type regression analysis was performed on the reciprocal of the change in the rate constant rather than the rate constant itself, the result demonstrated good correlation (r = 0.90; P less than 0.0001). The observations were also well described by a sigmoidal maximum plateau pharmacologic effect model, in which the pharmacologic effect of daptomycin is a reduction in the bacterial exponential growth rate constant from the baseline in the absence of antibiotic to a lower (positive) growth or (negative) death rate constant observed in the presence of antibiotic. These data confirm that daptomycin exhibits concentration-dependent killing over a wide range of free daptomycin concentrations relative to the MIC and suggest that this is a saturable process similar to the Michaelis-Menten pharmacokinetic elimination of certain drugs.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Pharmacodynamic factors of antibiotic efficacy.

The primary focus of the pharmaceutical industry in past years has been on developing more potent antibiotics rather than on establishing optimum therapy with currently available agents. Concepts that can be used to tailor patient- and pathogen-specific antimicrobial regimens include concentration-dependent killing, concentration-independent killing, and postantibiotic effect. It is possible to administer single daily doses (SDD) of aminoglycosides; however, a fixed SDD regimen cannot meet the goals for therapy in all patients. Instead, it is necessary to consider both pharmacodynamic concepts and pharmacokinetic principles. Even with tailored, patient-specific regimens, however, limitations exist with antibiotic therapy alone. Immunotherapy, used as an adjunct to antimicrobial therapy, may play a role in improving patient outcomes.

Aminoglycosides↗

Pharmacotherapy and pharmacodynamics in the management of bacterial infection.

Minimum inhibitory concentration testing is the most common standard used to evaluate antibacterial activity of antimicrobials against specific pathogens. The consideration of pharmacodynamic factors in conjunction with these tests can improve the management of bacterial infections. Further, the incorporation of MIC values into pharmacodynamic ratios may provide clinically useful tools for selecting optimal antibiotic selection, determining proper dosing strategies, and predicting therapeutic outcomes. Physiologic consequences of infection and antibiotic treatment, such as endotoxin release and initiation of the septic cascade, also must be considered when choosing appropriate anti-infective therapy. The introduction of adjuvant immunotherapy, along with improvement, validation, and implementation of pharmacodynamic predictors of antibiotic efficacy, undoubtedly will provide the medical community with an effective arsenal to further reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with bacterial infections.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗