Related Experiment Videos
Experience with amoxycillin in neonates and premature babies
Abstract:
Amoxycillin, a semi-synthetic penicillin, resembles ampicillin in many respects. There is cross-resistance between the two antibiotics. Numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms are sensitive to amoxycillin at relatively low dosage. Investigations using oral amoxycillin, 50 mg/kg body weight were carried out in neonates and premature babies in the first days of life. Peak values of 38 microng/ml and 59 microng/ml at 4 1/4 hours were obtained for the neonates and premature babies respectively. The 10-hour value for the first group was 13 microng/ml and for the second 19 microng/ml. With a single dose of amoxycillin, serum levels of 0.9 microng/ml were still obtained after 24 hours. In children who received the same dose twice daily, the serum values were 6.5 microng/ml after 24 hours. The urinary excretion of amoxycillin was, on an average, 41% in 24 hours. Amoxycillin was also found in the meconoium, but the quantity in the different portions showed a large dispersion. Amoxycillin can, therefore, be recommended as an effective and well tolerated antibiotic for use in the neonatal and premature period. In general the drug should be administered 12-hourly at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Only in severe illnesses is 8-hourly administration required.
Insights
Oral amoxycillin (50 mg/kg) shows effective serum levels in neonates and premature infants. This antibiotic is well-tolerated and recommended for the neonatal and premature period, generally administered every 12 hours.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Amoxycillin is a semi-synthetic penicillin with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
- Cross-resistance exists between amoxycillin and ampicillin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacokinetics of oral amoxycillin in neonates and premature infants.
- To determine appropriate dosing and administration for this population.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of amoxycillin at 50 mg/kg body weight.
- Measurement of serum amoxycillin levels at various time points (peak, 10-hour, 24-hour).
- Assessment of urinary excretion and meconium levels.
Main Results:
- Peak serum levels of 38 mcg/ml (neonates) and 59 mcg/ml (premature babies) at 4.25 hours.
- Detectable serum levels (0.9 mcg/ml) up to 24 hours post-single dose.
- Urinary excretion averaged 41% over 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Amoxycillin is an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic for neonatal and premature infants.
- Recommended dosage is 50 mg/kg every 12 hours, with 8-hourly administration for severe illnesses.