The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin and a review of its tissue penetration.

The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin were studied in six healthy volunteers following a 600 mg oral dose. The concentration of the compound was measured in serum, inflammatory fluid and urine. Ofloxacin was rapidly absorbed, the mean maximum concentration of ofloxacin being 10.7 mg/l at 1.2 h. The mean serum elimination half-life was 7 h and 80.3% of the administered compound was recovered in the urine by 48 h. Ofloxacin penetrated the inflammatory fluid well, the mean peak level being 5.2 mg/l at 5.3 h. A review of the tissue penetration is presented which indicates that the high volume of distribution of ofloxacin is associated with good tissue penetration.