Comparative pharmacokinetics of cefamandole, cefuroxime and cephradine during total hip replacement.

Serum, bone and tissue levels of the three cephalosporins, cefamandole, cefuroxime and cephradine were determined in 60 patients given a single 1 g dose intravenously before total hip surgery and two similar doses at 8 h intervals. The levels achieved were comparable for all three antibiotics, hence the choice of prophylactic antibiotic for total hip replacement should be guided by the pathogens causing infection and cost of the antibiotic.