Vancomycin pharmacokinetics in premature infants

J. R. Gross, Sheldon Kaplan, W. G. Kramer, Edward Mason

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    35 Scopus citations

    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 languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)17-22
    Number of pages6
    JournalPediatric Pharmacology
    Volume5
    Issue number1
    StatePublished - Jan 1 1985

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pharmacology (medical)
    • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)

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