Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
33.6K
Oxycodone target concentration dosing for acute pain in children
James D Morse1, Jacqueline A Hannam1, Brian J Anderson2
1Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Paediatric Anaesthesia
|September 1, 2021
Summary
This study simulated oxycodone dosing to achieve target concentrations for adequate analgesia across all ages. Dosing recommendations were developed, noting variability and age-dependent clearance impact on effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Oxycodone pharmacokinetics are established from neonates to adults, with allometry and age-related maturation influencing clearance.
- Target oxycodone concentration for effective analgesia varies with pain intensity, duration, and individual patient factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate and determine optimal intravenous or parenteral oxycodone loading and maintenance doses for neonates through to obese adults.
- To achieve a target concentration of 35 mcg.L⁻¹ (±20%) associated with adequate analgesia and minimal respiratory depression risk.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic simulation was employed to estimate oxycodone doses across a wide age range.
- A target concentration of 35 mcg.L⁻¹ was assumed for adequate pain relief and safety.
Main Results:
- 84% of simulated oxycodone concentrations fell within the target range during maintenance dosing.
- Clearance maturation with age reduced concentration variability; neonates exhibited immature clearance.
- Specific intravenous loading and maintenance doses were determined for a 5-year-old child and a typical adult.
Conclusions:
- Simulation-derived loading and maintenance doses aim to achieve a target oxycodone concentration of 35 mcg.L⁻¹.
- While age and weight explain 92% of clearance variability, 16% of concentrations remained outside the target range.
- Context-sensitive half-time is longer in neonates, suggesting a prolonged analgesic effect duration compared to older individuals.
