Cefotiam concentration in exudate from suction drain of patients with breast cancer following intravenous administration

Abstract Cefotiam (CTM) in a dose of 2 g was given by intravenous bolus injection to 16 patients with breast cancer operated upon radical mastectomy with suction drainage. The materials of exudate from drain were taken at intervals by sterilized paper disc and determined by the paper disc method with Proteus mirabilis ATCC 21100 as the test organism to CTM concentrations. CTM concentrations in exudate from suction drain of patients increased quickly after intravenous injection, and reached to peak early time on 2 to 3 days after operation. While on 6 days after operation, the CTM concentrations were comparatively lower and reached to peak at 2 approximately 3 hours after injection. The CTM concentrations in exudate exceed the antibacterial levels of CTM and are thought to be sufficient to produce prophylactic effects in the operation.