A ROLE OF P-GLYCOPROTEIN IN MODULATION OF ANTIBIOTIC PHARMACOKINETICS

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) belongs to superfamily of ABC (ATP-binding cassette) drug transporters. It is expressed in intestines, brain, kidneys, testes, liver, adrenal gland, lungs heart and eyes. This protein functions as a biological barrier by extruding toxic substances and xenobiotics out of cells. P-gp could modulate pharmacokinetics of antibacterial drugs through limitation of their oral absorption and penetration into target organs. Drug-drug interactions with antibacterials could be mediated by inhibition or induction of P-gp. Among the antibiotics recognized as substrates and modulators of P-gp are structurally unrelated compounds as fluoroquinolones, macrolides, ansamycines, tetracyclines and antracyclines. These findings provide a basis for the understanding of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics of the antibiotics in healthy and diseased individuals.