An evaluation of the absorption characteristics of different chloramphenicol preparations in normal human subjects

Abstract

The absorption characteristics of four different chloramphenicol preparations were compared in normal adult volunteers by means of blood level measurements and urinary excretion of chloramphenicol and its metabolites following administration of single 0.5 Gm. oral doses. Products of two manufacturers were compared in the first two studies, while a third study involved a compaTison of four commercial lots of chloramphenicol. Product A produced colorimetric and microbiologic plasma levels which were nearly double those of B; the area under the mean time‐concentration curve was nearly twice as great, and peak blood levels were reached earlier. Product C showed absorption characteristics similar to those of B. Product D showed a greatly extended period of absorption with maximum plasma levels about one quarter those of A. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that products B, C, and D went into solution more slowly than A. These observations emphasize the need for caution in assuming that absorption characteristics are the same for different chloramphenicol preparations containing identical amounts of drug.