[Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in children and newborn infants. Study in 14 patients and review of the literature].

A pharmacokinetic study of ceftazidime was conducted in 1983, together with a clinical study, on 7 neonates (3 of them premature), 4 infants and 3 children. The antibiotic was administered by slow intravenous injection in mean doses of 30 mg/kg twice in 24 h in neonates and thrice in 24 h in older children. Blood samples were collected by micropuncture, and assays were performed by the microbiological method on agar plates. Curves of plasma concentrations over time showed two slopes compatible with a two-compartment model. The alpha half-life was the same in neonates and infants; the beta half-life varied from 1.9 to 5 h. The highest values were observed in the 3 youngest and most immature neonates. In infants and older children the mean beta half-life was the same as in adults: 1.4 +/- 0.19 h. The results of several studies performed on neonates differed as regards the influence of term, post-natal age and bodyweight on the pharmacokinetic constants of ceftazidime. A dose of 25 to 50 mg/kg twice a day administered to premature and full-term neonates during the 1st week of life gives therapeutically effective concentrations. Doses of 30 to 50 mg/kg 3 or 4 times a day are necessary in infants and older children. Dosage should be adjusted to renal maturity and renal functions as well as to the infection treated.