Effect of time interval on tissue concentrations of cephalosporins after tourniquet inflation. Highest levels achieved by administration 20 minutes before inflation.

We studied the effect of different time intervals between antibiotic administration and tourniquet inflation in 62 patients undergoing reconstructive surgery in the lower extremities. The in vivo concentrations in soft tissue and bone of 3 cephalosporins (ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and ceforanide) were determined. Our findings suggest that the highest tissue concentrations were achieved by administration 20 min before tourniquet inflation.