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Pharmacokinetics of cefamandole in infants and children

S H Walker, V P Gahol

    Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
    |September 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cefamandole serum concentrations are higher and last longer in infants under 3 months compared to older children. A 37 mg/kg dose maintains therapeutic levels for 4-5 hours, crucial for treating bacterial infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Clinical Pharmacy

    Background:

    • Cefamandole is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for bacterial infections.
    • Understanding cefamandole pharmacokinetics in different pediatric age groups is essential for effective dosing.
    • Infants may exhibit altered drug metabolism and excretion compared to older children.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare serum concentrations of cefamandole in infants less than 3 months of age versus children older than 1 year.
    • To determine the duration of cefamandole serum concentrations above minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for common pathogens in these age groups.

    Main Methods:

    • Intravenous administration of cefamandole at a dosage of 37 mg/kg.
    • Serial serum sampling to measure cefamandole concentrations.
    • Comparison of pharmacokinetic profiles between infants (<3 months) and older children (>1 year).

    Main Results:

    • Serum concentrations of cefamandole were higher and more prolonged in infants less than 3 months of age.
    • A 37 mg/kg dose achieved concentrations exceeding MICs of common bacterial pathogens for 4 hours in older children and 5 hours in young infants.
    • This suggests a potential need for dose or interval adjustments in very young infants.

    Conclusions:

    • Cefamandole exhibits distinct pharmacokinetic behavior in young infants compared to older children.
    • The prolonged serum concentrations in infants may influence treatment strategies for bacterial infections.
    • Further studies are warranted to optimize cefamandole dosing regimens for pediatric populations, particularly neonates and young infants.

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