How to minimize toxic exposure to pyridine during continuous infusion of ceftazidime in patients with cystic fibrosis?

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014 May;58(5):2849-55. doi: 10.1128/AAC.02637-13. Epub 2014 Mar 10.

Abstract

Ceftazidime is particularly efficient against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Thus, the spontaneous production of pyridine, which is a toxic product, raises some concern. Our aim was to examine the kinetics of degradation of ceftazidime in portable infusion pumps either at 4°C, 22°C, or 33°C and to propose some recommendations in order to reduce the pyridine exposure. Two administration models were studied in vitro. In model 1, we administered 12 g of ceftazidime infused over 23 h (once-daily infusion) compared to 6 g infused over 11.5 h in model 2 (twice-daily regimen). Samples were collected at 0 h and then every 4 and 2 h after the shaping of portable infusion pumps in models 1 and 2, respectively. Both ceftazidime and pyridine were analyzed using an ultraviolet high-performance liquid chromatograph. Production of pyridine is highly depending on the temperature. The in situ production of pyridine per day of treatment decreases at a ratio close to 1/6 and 1/3 between 33°C and 4°C in models 1 and 2, respectively. Regardless of the conditions, the production of pyridine is significantly lower in model 2, whereas the total delivery amount of ceftazidime is significantly higher at 4°C and 33°C compared to that in model 1. According to a the precautionary principle, these findings lead to three major recommendations: (i) exposing a solution of ceftazidime to over 22°C should be strictly avoided, (ii) a divided dose of 6 g over 11.5 h instead of a once-daily administration is preferred, and (iii) infusion should be administered immediately after reconstitution.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Ceftazidime / administration & dosage*
  • Ceftazidime / chemistry
  • Cystic Fibrosis / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Kinetics
  • Pyridines / chemistry
  • Pyridines / toxicity*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Pyridines
  • Ceftazidime
  • pyridine