Pharmacokinetics of SCE-1141, a stereoisomer of cefmenoxime, in rats.

The pharmacokinetic properties of SCE-1141, an anti stereoisomer of cefmenoxime, were compared with those of cefmenoxime. SCE-1141 levels in plasma and tissues peaked at 30 min after the intramuscular administration of 20 mg/kg; the plasma level declined with a half-life of about 18 min. The area under the concentration-time curve in plasma and the half-life after intravenous administration were similar to those after intramuscular administration. SCE-1141 was distributed at high concentrations in the liver and kidney of normal rats, and at lower concentrations in the liver of rats with acute liver impairment. SCE-1141 levels in plasma and tissues, except liver, were lower than those of cefmenoxime. The 24-h biliary and urinary excretions of SCE-1141 were 73% and 26% of the dose, respectively; these were significantly different from those of cefmenoxime: 33% in bile and 55% in urine. In rats with acute liver impairment, the biliary excretion of SCE-1141 was decreased, and the urinary excretion increased.