Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in premature, newborn and young infants.
The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime, a new injectable broad-spectrum cephalosporin with high anti-pseudomonal activity, were studied in 50 preterm, full-term and young infants after an intravenous bolus dose of 30 mg/kg. The serum concentrations of ceftazidime were higher in the younger babies, both premature and full-term. In infants over 2 months of age blood levels were similar to those of adult volunteer subjects. No untoward effects were encountered. Considering the in vitro activity of ceftazidime against a wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria, the present dose schedules, 25-50 mg/kg/d for babies less than 2 months of age and 50-100 mg/kg/d for those 2-12 months of age, appear to be appropriate. Until more experience is gained with ceftazidime in neonates, monitoring of trough levels to ensure adequate blood concentrations would be ideal.
D000367:Age Factors; D002442:Ceftazidime; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007700:Kinetics
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002442:Ceftazidime