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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
05:17
Intravenous Injections in Neonatal Mice
Published on: November 11, 2014
I.V. acetaminophen pharmacokinetics in neonates after multiple doses.
G M Palmer1, M Atkins, B J Anderson
1Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia. greta.palmer@rch.org.au
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|July 17, 2008
Summary
Intravenous acetaminophen dosing in neonates showed similar pharmacokinetics to propacetamol, with clearance influenced by postmenstrual age and hyperbilirubinemia, necessitating dose adjustments. No hepatotoxicity was observed.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Clinical pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Limited pharmacokinetic data exists for intravenous acetaminophen in neonates.
- Previous studies focused on propacetamol, an intravenous prodrug of acetaminophen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pharmacokinetics of intravenous acetaminophen in neonates.
- To evaluate the impact of postmenstrual age and clinical factors on acetaminophen disposition.
- To assess the safety of intravenous acetaminophen in this population.
Main Methods:
- Population pharmacokinetic modeling (NONMEM) was used to analyze acetaminophen concentrations in neonates receiving 6-hourly intravenous doses.
- Dosing was adjusted based on postmenstrual age (PMA).
- Liver function tests were monitored alongside serum acetaminophen levels.
Main Results:
- Population pharmacokinetic parameters for clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (V) were estimated.
- CL increased with PMA, and was reduced by unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Predicted steady-state concentrations were within the therapeutic range for a 40-week PMA neonate receiving 15 mg kg(-1) every 6 hours.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous acetaminophen exhibits pharmacokinetic properties comparable to propacetamol in neonates.
- Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia significantly affects acetaminophen clearance, requiring dose reduction.
- No evidence of hepatotoxicity was observed, supporting the safety of this formulation.
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