Pharmacokinetics of intravenous amikacin after rapid and slow infusion with special reference to hemodialysis.

The pharmacokinetics of amikacin, a recently introduced aminoglycoside structurally related to kanamycin, were determined in healthy volunteers after rapid and slow constant-rate intravenous administration of a 7.5 mg/kg dose. The elimination profile of amikacin can be described by two compartment open model kinetics. Peripheral distribution of the drug is extremely rapid, and beta-phase concentrations decay with a half-life averaging about 2 hours, while inter-compartmental equilibrium is achieved in a little over 30 minutes. The volume of distribution averages about 25% of body weight. During hemodialysis, amikacin extraction from the blood reaches 97% +/- 17% (mean +/- 95% confidence interval) that of creatinine and 89% +/- 20% that of blood urea nitrogen. A method of administration adapted to the kinetic properties of the antibiotic is proposed.