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Pharmacokinetics of cefonicid in children
1II Chair of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Padua, Italy.
Insights
This study investigated cefonicid pharmacokinetics in children, finding that a single intramuscular dose yields therapeutic serum concentrations. Cefonicid
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Antibiotic Pharmacokinetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cefonicid is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections.
- Understanding its pharmacokinetic profile in children is crucial for effective dosing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefonicid in pediatric patients.
- To determine the suitability of cefonicid for treating respiratory and urinary tract infections in children.
Main Methods:
- A single intramuscular dose of cefonicid (50 mg/kg) was administered to 17 children.
- Serum and urine concentrations were measured over time.
- Pharmacokinetic parameters including half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance were calculated.
Main Results:
- Rapid absorption led to peak serum concentrations (212.63 µg/ml) at 1 hour.
- Mean half-life was 3.24 hours, with volume of distribution of 0.21 L/kg.
- Total body clearance and renal clearance correlated positively with age.
- Urine concentrations exceeded minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for susceptible bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular cefonicid at 50 mg/kg achieves therapeutic serum levels in children.
- Pharmacokinetic properties support a once-daily dosing regimen for pediatric infections.
Abstract:
The pharmacokinetics of cefonicid was studied in 17 children requiring antibiotic treatment for respiratory or urinary tract infections. After informed consent had been obtained from the parents, a single dose of cefonicid 50 mg/kg/body weight was given by intramuscular injection. The mean peak serum concentration of 212.63 micrograms/ml was reached at 1.00 h, as absorption occurred at a very fast rate with a mean constant of 3.24 h-1. Mean values for half-life, apparent volume of distribution (Vz), total body clearance (CL), and renal clearance (CLR) were 3.24 h, 0.21 l.kg-1, 16.67 ml.min-1 and 13.60 ml.min-1 respectively. There was an inverse relationship between age and Vz, whereas CL and CLR were positively correlated with age. Cefonicid concentrations in urine were many times higher than the MICs of susceptible strains of bacteria. The study demonstrated that i.m. cefonicid 50 mg.kg-1 gave serum concentrations well within the therapeutic range for susceptible bacteria, and that its pharmacokinetic properties allow single daily doses to be used to treat infections in children.