Abstract
Time-concentration curves were determined following intravenous administration of chloramphenicol sodium succinate (CL) to 11 infants with suspected septicemia, using a gas-liquid chromatographic assay. 2 groups of infants were studied. Group I, consisting of 6 infants 2-8 days of age and between 0.9 and 2.5 kg, received 25 mg/kg once daily. Group II, consisting of 5 infants 11 days to 8 weeks of age and between 0.9 and 2.2 kg, received 50 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Three key observations were made. First, 5 group I infants cleared CL so slowly that half-lives could not be calculated on the basis of serial serum levels determined in the interval between doses, whereas group II infants cleared CL much more rapidly, with half-lives ranging from 5.2 to 12.8 hours. These observed differences in CL disposition are consistent with maturational differences in hepatic uptake and/or glucuronidation. Second, within group II, there was no consistent corelation between half-life and gestational age. Third, in both groups, there were some patients whose peak CL levels were markedly lower than anticipated. Since only hydrolyzed CL is detected by our assay, this observation is consistent with the concept that CL esterase activity may vary among neonates. Significant interpatient variability in CL disposition within postnatal/gestational age categories mandates monitoring of CL levels in neonates treated with this drug.
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Glazer, J., Danish, M., Yachetti, S. et al. 252 DISPOSITION OF CHLORAMPHENICOL IN NEWBORN INFANTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 405 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00257
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00257
