Issue 3 (2011)

The aim of the investigation is to study the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime and clarithromycin in heavy smokers with community-acquired pneumonia.

Materials and Methods. In blood serum of 22 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (14 heavy smokers, smoking index ≥25 packs/years — the main group and 8 non-smokers — control group) there has been determined the concentration of cefotaxime (in 11 patients — 7 smokers and 4 non-smokers) and clarithromycin (in 11 patients — 7 smokers and 4 non-smokers).

Results. There was determined a marked decrease of preparations concentration in smokers: 2.2—5.9 times as less — in cefotaxime administration (p>0.05) and 1.2—2.2 times — in clarithromycin administration (p<0.05). According to the data obtained, cefotaxime is to be administered carefully as a starting empirical therapy of pneumonia in heavy smokers. If cefotaxime and clarithromycin administration is required, maximum permissible doses are to be used.