Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Ertapenem

Ertapenem is a carbapenem used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. What sets ertapenem apart from other carbapenems is its longer half-life which implies it need only be administered once daily. We developed a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for the distribution of ertapenem within the body. In the model, parameters such as human body weight and height, age, organ volumes, blood flow rates, and partition coefficients of particular tissues are used to examine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of ertapenem. The total and free blood concentrations found were then compared to experimental data. We then examined the sensitivity of the total concentration in the blood to body weight, body height, and age. This analysis allows the possibility of the model being used as a basis for understanding how differing health conditions might alter the concentration of ertapenem in the body and hence dosage may need to be adjusted