The pharmacokinetics of a single dose of netilmicin (NM) was studied in 6 healthy volunteers. Elimination of the drug was followed in serum and urine for 24 h and 72 h, respectively. NM concentrations were measured with a modified radioenzymatic assay. A three compartment open model was employed to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. Following the rapid initial distribution, biphasic elimination with half lives of 1.99 (t 1/2 beta) and 36.89 h (t 1/2 gamma) was demonstrated. Measurable amounts of NM were excreted in the urine for up to 72 h. The volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss) of 0.68 l/kg was 3 to 4 times larger than previously reported for this antibiotic. NM plasma clearance was 91 ml/min and the renal clearance was 67 ml/min. The data indicate that on repetitive dosing the amount of drug in the body would be considerably underestimated if the prolonged terminal elimination phase were not taken into account. During prolonged treatment, accumulation of NM in renal and other tissues is likely to occur, as has been described for other aminoglycosides. The possible consequences of this pharmacokinetic behaviour are discussed.