In vitro inactivation of gentamicin, tobramycin, and netilmicin by carbenicillin, azlocillin, or mezlocillin

The in vitro inactivation of gentamicin, tobramycin, and netilmicin, when combined with carbenicillin, azlocillin, and mezlocillin, was studied. Plasma samples containing the aminoglycosides at a concentration of 5-8 micrograms/ml in combination with the penicillins in concentrations of 500, 250, and 50 micrograms/ml were incubated at room temperature and 37 degrees C for 0.3, 1, 3, 6, and 9 days. The aminoglycoside concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay or enzyme immunoassay. The extent of inactivation was dependent on penicillin concentration, contact time, and temperature. Penicillin concentrations of 500 micrograms/ml caused the greatest loss of aminoglycoside, while little loss occurred at the 50-micrograms/ml penicillin level. Carbenicillin, in concentrations of 250 and 500 micrograms/ml, inactivated all three aminoglycosides to a greater extent than either azlocillin or mezlocillin. The initial rate of decline in aminoglycoside concentration was greater at 37 degrees C than at room temperature. The new acylureidopenicillins, azlocillin and mezlocillin, inactivate the aminoglycosides studied, in a similar manner to that previously described for carbenicillin.