Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in premature, newborn and young infants
Prinsloo, J.G.; Delport, S.D.; Moncrieff, J.; Paton, A.M.
South African Medical Journal 65(20): 809-811
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 6374925 Document Number: 224894
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.