Studies on Doxycycline during Intravenous and Oral Treatment with Reference to Renal Function

Abstract

Doxycycline levels in serum and urine were determined in 13 patients with normal or reduced renal function. Urinary excretion of doxycycline was proportional to renal function. The mean level of doxycycline in serum was significantly higher in patients with moderately reduced renal function than in those with normal function. This finding might be explained on the basis of differences in intestinal rather than renal function between the two groups of patients. Intravenous infusions of doxycycline to uremic patients were followed by lower initial serum concentrations of doxycycline than in other patients, a finding which might reflect a rapid diffusion into the intestine. Serum levels within therapeutical ranges are achieved by standard doses of doxycycline, given intravenously or orally to patients of most ages, irrespective of their renal function. No rises of urea, SGOT and SGPT associated with the treatment were observed.