The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in the elderly

Single doses of cefuroxime were given to 40 elderly patients. Doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg were given intramuscularly and 750 and 1500 mg by bolus intravenous injection. The mean plasma half-life was 122.4 min and the mean time to peak following intramuscular injection was 71.7 min. When the results are compared with previous studies in young healthy volunteers, the peak plasma concentrations are found to be similar but there is prolongation of half-life and delay in excretion of the drug in the elderly. Elderly patients appear to absorb, distribute and excrete cefuroxime in a similar manner to younger patients with equivalent renal function. However, prolongation of the dosage interval is recommended in the elderly with a creatinine clearance of less than 20 ml/min so that accumulation in the body does not occur.