Pharmacokinetic Study of Extended Infusion Meropenem in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Meropenem is an intravenous antibiotic commonly used to treat acute exacerbation of respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis. The research study aims to determine if a different method of infusing the drug over 3 hours or longer, instead of the traditional half-hour will improve target attainment of drug concentrations and bactericidal activity. A secondary aim is to assess if the pharmacokinetics of meropenem is different during active infection compared to non-infective stage. Twelve patients admitted with acute respiratory infection and who requires meropenem will be enrolled into the study. Meropenem blood concentrations collected over 8 hours will be measured after half-hour and 3-hour infusions on different days. A pharmacokinetic modelling and Monte Carlo simulation program will use the data to assess and predict the optimal method of dosing. When patients return for a follow-up clinic visit, a single dose of meropenem will be administered and blood concentrations will be measured to determine the pharmacokinetics during non-infective stage.