Pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in healthy subjects and patients with impaired renal function

Ten healthy volunteers and 20 patients suffering from chronic renal failure of varying severity received a single dose of ofloxacin 200mg orally. Ofloxacin concentrations were determined in blood and urine, and kidney function was assessed by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma creatinine concentrations. The results show that there is a relationship between the area under the concentration-time curve for ofloxacin and both GFR and plasma creatinine concentration. On the basis of these results, a means of determining suitable dosage reduction factors in patients with renal impairment is presented. It is anticipated that appropriate reductions in the amount of ofloxacin administered to such patients will reduce the risk of central nervous system side effects.