A study of the concentration of orally administered sparfloxacin found in exudates from suture wounds beneath occlusive dressings

The concentration of orally administered sparfloxacin (SPFX), an antimicrobial agent, in exudates from the suture wounds beneath occlusive dressings has been measured. Twenty-one patients who received oral therapy with 100 mg of SPFX prior to surgery and 200 mg/day of SPFX after surgery were studied. During the operations, the suture wounds were covered by occlusive film. 48 h post-operation, wound exudates under the dressings were drawn and measured using high performance liquid chromatography. SPFX values were 0.801±0.340 μg/ml (mean±SD). The results suggest that wound exudates beneath the occlusive dressing have concentrations of SPFX high enough to prevent infection in most cases when administered orally.