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Oseltamivir dosing in premature infants
Christopher McPherson1, Barbara Warner, David A Hunstad
1Department of Pharmacy, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. ccm0145@bjc.org
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2012
Summary
This study evaluated oseltamivir dosing in premature infants. Results suggest current dosing may be appropriate, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Drug Metabolism
Background:
- Premature infants often have immature organ function, affecting drug pharmacokinetics.
- Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza.
- Appropriate dosing in neonates is crucial for efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in premature infants.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oseltamivir dosing regimens in this population.
Main Methods:
- A 2-sample pharmacokinetic study was conducted.
- 12 premature infants were enrolled.
- Two dosing regimens were evaluated based on postmenstrual age.
Main Results:
- Oseltamivir carboxylate exposure in infants <38 weeks postmenstrual age was comparable to existing pediatric data.
- Infants >38 weeks postmenstrual age showed similar oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate exposure with a different regimen.
- Results indicate potentially immature renal function in the subgroup of infants >38 weeks postmenstrual age.
Conclusions:
- The studied oseltamivir regimens may be prospectively validated for premature infants.
- Further pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies are necessary to confirm optimal dosing and assess renal function in specific subgroups.
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