11/10/2026
Azithromycin in preterm premature rupture of membranes: population pharmacokinetics and dose optimization - Schematic of the final population pharmacokinetic model
Constants represented by k reflect transfer between compartments for processes such as absorption (ka), maternal/fetal transfer (kMF and kFM), and elimination from the mother (k10). The compartments approximate anatomical locations in the pharmacokinetic model which uses differential equations to describe the disposition of azithromycin. Following administration, azithromycin enters the central compartment (systemic circulation) either by the intravenous route or following absorption from the gut. Azithromycin can be cleared from the maternal central compartment (clearance) or transferred to and from the peripheral compartment as well as the fetus compartment. Within the fetus compartment, azithromycin can be eliminated into the amniotic fluid compartment which can be swallowed back. AZI, azithromycin; IV, intravenous; k10, maternal elimination rate constant (clearance/V1); k12, rate of drug transfer from maternal central to peripheral compartment; k21, rate of drug transfer from maternal peripheral to central compartment; ka, absorption rate constant; keF, fetal elimination rate constant; kFM, fetus-to-mother transfer rate constant (intercompartmental clearance/V3); kMF, mother-to-fetus transfer rate constant (intercompartmental clearance/V1); kSW, fetal swallowing rate constant; PO, oral; V1, volume of distribution in the maternal central compartment; V2, volume of distribution in the maternal peripheral compartment; V3, distribution volume in the amniotic fluid compartment. https://ow.ly/Gvhb50YnCIF
