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Antimicrobial Agent Dosing in Infants

Jacob K Johnson1, Matthew M Laughon1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Clinical Therapeutics
|July 31, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Infant physiology significantly impacts how antimicrobial drugs are processed. Renal maturation in premature infants is a key factor influencing drug effectiveness and safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Infant physiology differs significantly from adult physiology.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for safe and effective medication use in neonates.
  • Antimicrobial agents require specific pharmacokinetic considerations in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review infant physiology.
  • To examine the effects of infant physiology on pharmacokinetic properties of antimicrobial agents.
  • To compare infant and adult drug dosing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of drug development processes.
  • Systematic literature search on antimicrobial pharmacokinetics in infants.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic data in relation to infant maturation.

Main Results:

  • Renal maturation in premature infants is a primary determinant of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics.
  • Hepatic metabolism and volume of distribution also commonly influence drug processing.
  • Significant differences exist between infant and adult drug dosing and intervals.

Conclusions:

  • Continued pharmacokinetic data collection in infants is essential.
  • Ensuring adequate drug safety and appropriate dosing in neonates is vital.
  • Physiological immaturity in infants necessitates tailored antimicrobial dosing strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antibioticsantifungalsantiviralsinfantspharmacokinetics

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