Abstract
Vancomycin pharmacokinetics were studied in 9 premature infants. Infants weighing less than 1,000 gm had significantly larger volumes of drug distribution and consequently longer drug half-lives than larger premature infants, regardless of postconceptual or actual age. These differences alter the vancomycin dosing recommendations in these 2 groups of premature infants. We recommend initial dosage regimens consisting of a loading dose of vancomycin of 25 mg/kg followed by doses of 15 mg/kg every 12 hours for infants with weights less than 1,000 gm. Infants weighing over 1,000 gm should receive 10 mg/kg every 12 hours, with a loading dose of 12.5 mg/kg. Serum vancomycin concentration should be monitored, however, for final optimization of therapy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 17-22 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Pediatric Pharmacology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1985 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)