Amikacin concentrations in serum and blister fluid in healthy volunteers and in patients with renal impairment.

Following iv administration of 0.5 g of amikacin, the concentrations of the antibiotic were determined in serum and blister fluid of nine healthy volunteers and ten patients with renal impairment. In the former, the maximum concentrations of amikacin in blister fluid was 11.85 +/- 4.6 mg/l. The half-life in blister fluid was 2.39 +/- 1.10 h, slightly greater than that of serum (1.73 +/- 0.24 h). The concentrations of the antibiotic in serum and blister fluid are modified significantly in patients with renal impairment. The half-life values in both fluids increase similarly, parallel to the reduction in renal function. The penetration of amikacin into blister fluid in these patients increases progressively and a linear relationship is established between the maximum concentration reached and creatinine clearance. A linear relationship has also been established between the concentration of the antibiotic in serum and blister fluid.