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A preliminary pharmacokinetic study of ceftazidime in premature, new born and small infants

J G Prinsloo, S D Delport, J Moncrieff

    The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
    |July 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ceftazidime pharmacokinetics in infants showed longer half-lives in neonates (<2 months) compared to older infants (2-12 months). Recommended pediatric dosing adjusts for these age-related differences in ceftazidime elimination.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Pharmacology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Clinical Pharmacy

    Background:

    • Bacterial infections pose significant risks to neonates and infants.
    • Accurate dosing of antibiotics is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing toxicity in pediatric populations.
    • Understanding the pharmacokinetic profile of antibiotics like ceftazidime in infants is essential for optimizing therapy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in neonates and infants.
    • To determine the serum half-life of ceftazidime in different infant age groups.
    • To establish evidence-based dosing recommendations for ceftazidime in pediatric patients.

    Main Methods:

    • A single intravenous dose of 30 mg/kg ceftazidime was administered to 50 neonates and infants.
    • Serum samples were analyzed to determine ceftazidime concentrations over time.
    • Pharmacokinetic parameters, including serum half-life, were calculated.

    Main Results:

    • The mean serum half-life of ceftazidime was 4.18 ± 1.60 hours for infants less than 2 months old.
    • The mean serum half-life was 2.00 ± 0.64 hours for infants aged 2 to 12 months.
    • Significant differences in half-life were observed between the two age groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Ceftazidime exhibits prolonged elimination in neonates compared to older infants.
    • Recommended daily doses of 25–50 mg/kg for infants <2 months and 50–100 mg/kg for infants 2–12 months are proposed.
    • These age-specific dose bands aim to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating bacterial infections.

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