Cefuroxime was evaluated for the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects in 8 healthy volunteers, Bolus i.v. injections of cefuroxime 750 mg b.i.d. or 750 mg once daily were given to the patients depending on the degree of renal impairment. The concentration of drug in urine was measured during treatment, and pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated; Drug elimination half-life increased from 4.2 h (creatinine clearance 23.0 ml/min) to 22.3 h (creatinine clearance 5.0 ml/min) with decreasing renal function. The apparent volume of distribution ranged from 11.6 to 17.9 . A linear correlation was found between the total and renal clearance of cefuroxime and the creatinine clearance; the extrarenal clearance was 8.24 ml/min. Concomitant treatment with furosemide did not impair renal function and no evidence of nephrotoxicity was found. The clinical efficacy of the drug was good. Symptoms of infection subsided after 3-4 days and the isolated pathogens were eradicated. No relapse or episodes of reinfection were observed in a following-up period of 3 months. The drug was well tolerated and no side effects or changes in haematological or biochemical values were seen.