Penetration of ceftazidime into the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with and without evidence of meningeal inflammation.

The concentrations of ceftazidime in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with and without meningitis were measured at various times after a 2- or 3-g dose. At similar concentrations in serum, ceftazidime concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid at a given time were substantially lower in patients without meningitis (mean, 0.8 micrograms/ml) than in those with meningitis (mean, 22.6 micrograms/ml).