The kinetics of penicillin diffusion in serum and middle ear effusions in experimentally induced otitis media.

The kinetics of penicillin diffusion in serum and middle ear effusions (MEE) was studied in experimentally induced serous otitis media (SOM) and purulent otitis media (POM) after systemic injection of procaine-penicillin G. A higher rate of diffusion of penicillin into the middle ear cavity was found in POM than in SOM. The time to reach peak concentrations in MEE was also shorter in POM. Elimination of penicillin from the middle ear cavity was slower in SOM than in POM.