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Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in children after abdominal surgery

G González-Martin1, L Maggio, J González-Sotomayor

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry, Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Insights

This study found that two doses of intravenous ketorolac had similar pharmacokinetic profiles in children aged 2-8 years. These findings suggest consistent drug behavior across different pediatric dosages.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Clinical Pharmacokinetics
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain relief.
  • Understanding ketorolac pharmacokinetics in children is crucial for safe and effective dosing.
  • Previous pharmacokinetic data primarily exists for adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of two different intravenous ketorolac doses in pediatric patients.
  • To compare the distribution volume, total clearance, and elimination half-life between the two doses.
  • To identify any significant differences in ketorolac's drug behavior in children.

Main Methods:

  • A pharmacokinetic study involving 14 children aged 2-8 years.
  • Administration of two intravenous ketorolac doses: 0.5 mg/kg and 0.9 mg/kg.
  • Serial blood sampling for 6 hours post-administration.
  • Assay of serum ketorolac concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
  • Estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters via nonlinear computer analysis.

Main Results:

  • Distribution volume (Vdarea), total clearance (Cltotal), and elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) were comparable between the 0.5 mg/kg and 0.9 mg/kg ketorolac groups.
  • Ratios for Vdarea, Cltotal, and t1/2 beta (0.9:0.5 mg/kg) were 1.24, 1.14, and 1.083, respectively, indicating similarity.
  • Pharmacokinetic parameters in children differed from those reported in adult subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Intravenous ketorolac exhibits similar pharmacokinetic characteristics in children across the studied dose range (0.5 and 0.9 mg/kg).
  • The findings suggest that ketorolac's disposition in children is consistent, supporting established dosing guidelines.
  • Pediatric pharmacokinetic profiles for ketorolac appear distinct from adult profiles, highlighting the need for age-specific considerations.

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