The distribution of temafloxacin in bronchial epithelial lining fluid, alveolar macrophages and bronchial mucosa

Abstract

The concentrations of temafloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial, in the potential sites of pulmonary infection were assessed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. Fourteen patients received a course of temafloxacin, 600 mg twice daily, for three days prior to sampling. The mean serum concentration was 9.6 (SEM 1.2) mg · l-1, compared with 14.9 (SEM 1.8) mg · kg-1 for bronchial mucosa, 26.5 (SEM 3.6) mg · l-1 for epithelial lining fluid and 83.0 (SEM 11.5) mg · l-1 for alveolar macrophage. In the ten patients who completed the protocol, site concentrations correlated well with serum concentrations. Temafloxacin was concentrated in each of the potential sites of infection examined and is, therefore, a promising new agent for the treatment of respiratory tract infection.