Effects of pefloxacin on urinary and salivary concentrations of isoniazid in six healthy female volunteers

The effects of pefloxacin (PFC), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, on the urinary and salivary concentrations of Isoniazid (INH) were investigated in six healthy female volunteers 19 to 30 years of age. The presence of PFC increased the rate and extent of INH absorption and the rate of its excretion in the urine and saliva. There was an increase in the excretion rate constant (K) and a reduction in the half-life (t1/2) of INH in the presence of PFC. Four of the volunteers had t(1/2) values in the range of 1.55 to 2.43 hours and were considered to be fast acetylators, whereas two subjects with a t(1/2) in the range of 3.36 to 4.41 hours were considered to be slow acetylators. Concurrent administration of INH and PFC may lead to an increased INH toxicity based on the results of the present study.