Pharmacokinetics of cefpodoxime proxetil and interactions with an antacid and an H sub(2) receptor antagonist

Cefpodoxime proxetil is a new oral esterified cephem antibiotic with a broad antibacterial spectrum. The dissolution of cefpodoxime proxetil is pH dependent. The objectives of this study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefpodoxime proxetil in two different oral doses and to examine possible interactions with an antacid, aluminum magnesium hydroxide (Maalox 70), and an H sub(2) receptor antagonist, famotidine. The maximum concentrations were 1.19 mg/liter after 0.1 g of cefpodoxime proxetil and 2.54 mg/liter after 0.2 g of cefpodoxime proxetil. The elimination half-lives were 149 min for 0.1 g and 172 min for 0.2 g of cefpodoxime proxetil. The total increase in the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was dose dependent. Combination with Maalox 70 caused a reduction in the AUC from 14.0 to 8.44 mg multiplied by h/liter. After famotidine, the AUC decreased to 8.36 mg multiplied by h/liter. Corresponding changes were registered for the maximum concentration of drug in serum, 24-h urine recovery, and the time to maximum concentration of drug in serum.