title: Pharmacokinetics of transdermal fentanyl in the peri-operative period in young children.
abstract: The pharmacokinetics of transdermal fentanyl were assessed in eight children aged 18-60 months, weighing 11-20 kg and monitored postoperatively in the intensive care unit. A patch, delivering 25 microg.h-1 of fentanyl, was applied for 72 h from the induction of anaesthesia. Plasma fentanyl concentrations were measured over 144 h. Mean (SD) peak concentration of fentanyl was 1.7 (0.66) ng.ml-1 and time to reach maximal plasma concentration was 18 (11) h. The elimination half-life was 14.5 (6.2) h, and the area under the curve for plasma fentanyl concentration (0-144 h) was 86.8 (27) ng.h.ml-1. Maximal fentanyl concentration was negatively correlated with patient age (r = - 0.71; p = 0.049) but not with body weight. These results suggest that the pharmacokinetics of transdermal fentanyl in children are similar to those in adults.
authors: Staff Anaesthetist and Professor of Anaesthesia and Director of Anaesthesia Department, Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, La Timone University Hospital, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseilles cedex 5, France; Researcher and Dir.
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Paut
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Camboulives
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Viard
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Lemoing
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Levron
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000367:Age Factors; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001835:Body Weight; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007430:Intraoperative Care
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl