Oseltamivir dosing for influenza infection in premature neonates.
Under the Emergency Use Authorization issued in April 2009, oseltamivir can be used to treat 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in children aged <1 year. No data exist on the dosing of oseltamivir in premature babies. A hospital health care worker inadvertently exposed 32 neonatal intensive care unit babies to 2009 influenza A (H1N1); a protocol was expeditiously implemented to collect samples for pharmacokinetics and dosage evaluation. Results suggest 1.0 mg/kg/dose twice daily in premature babies produces oseltamivir carboxylate exposures similar to that in older children receiving 3.0 mg/kg/dose twice daily. These results provide initial guidance on dosing oseltamivir in this vulnerable population.
Acosta
Edward P
EP
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. eacosta@uab.edu
Jester
Penelope
P
Gal
Peter
P
Wimmer
John
J
Wade
Joni
J
Whitley
Richard J
RJ
Kimberlin
David W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053139:Oseltamivir