Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in very low birth weight preterm infants

Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1983;24(5):649-53. doi: 10.1007/BF00542216.

Abstract

Low birth weight preterm infants with suspected infection were administered gentamicin intramuscularly every 18 h (2.5 mg/kg) or 24 h (3.0 mg/kg). For both dosage regimens plasma gentamicin levels were monitored during a dosage interval on three separate occasions over a 10 day period. Both regimens gave satisfactory plasma concentrations and there was no important statistically significant difference between the two. The body clearance of gentamicin correlated with gestational age (r = 0.76, p less than 0.01). The results indicate either regimen may be useful in the clinical situation but from a practical standpoint administration every 24 h may be easier to comply with then every 18 h.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Gentamicins / metabolism*
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Kinetics
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Gentamicins