Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in elderly patients and young volunteers.

When given 2 g ceftazidime intravenously a group of 13 acutely ill but renally healthy, elderly patients demonstrated prolonged terminal half-life, increased area under the curve and reduced total and renal clearance compared to 9 young, healthy, male volunteers. The volume of distribution was enlarged in elderly males. Ceftazidime elimination correlated to renal function. Dosage twice daily for one week did not result in any clinically significant accumulation.