Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, DPMSC, University of Udine, P. le S. Maria della Misericordia 3, 33100 Udine, Italy. federico.pea@med.uniud.it
The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profile of a fixed 6-g daily continuous intravenous infusion of ceftazidime was assessed in 20 febrile neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Mean steady-state ceftazidime concentrations averaging 40 mg/liter from day 2 on ensured maximized pharmacodynamic exposure (values close to four to five times the MIC breakpoint against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). However, large intra- and interindividual pharmacokinetic variability was documented throughout the study period.