GENTAMICIN KINETICS IN THE NEONATE

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (1) , 57-61
Abstract
Gentamicin [an antibacterial drug] serum levels were measured and elimination half-life was calculated in a group of neonates with postconceptual ages ranging between 25-42 wk. Infants were receiving i.v. gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg per dose) at various dosage intervals and t1/2e [elimination half-life] was calculated using a one-compartment open model. Evidence of gentamicin accumulation was present in 82% of infants 34 wk. T1/2e was 8.8 .+-. 0.7 h in infants 30 wk, 7.8 .+-. 1.1 h in infants between 30-34 wk and 6.2 .+-. 0.5 in infants > 34 wk. Gentamicin elimination is apparently related to postconceptual age and infants treated with recommendation dosage regimens may have possible gentamicin tissue accumulation and nephrotoxicity. The dosage interval may have to be lengthened to 18 h in infants > 34 wk with close gentamicin plasma level monitoring.

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