PHARMACOKINETICS OF CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE IN THE 1ST YEAR OF LIFE

The pharmacokinetics of i.v. administered clindamycin phosphate was studied in 40 children < 1 yr of age. Mean peak serum concentrations were 10.92 .mu.g/ml in premature infants < 4 wk of age, 10.45 .mu.g/ml in term infants > 4 wk, and 12.69 .mu.g/ml in term infants < 4 wk of age. Mean trough concentrations were 5.52, 2.8 and 3.03 .mu.g/ml, respectively, in the same groups. Serum half-life was significantly longer (8.68 vs. 3.60 h) in premature compared with term infants < 4 wk of age. Both premature and term infants < 4 wk had significantly decreased clearance when compared with infants > 4 wk (0.294 and 0.678, respectively, vs. 1.58 l/h). Clearance was significantly greater (1.919 vs 0.310 l/h) and serum half-life less (1.75 vs. 7.57 h) in infants with body weight > 3.5 kg. In infants > 4 wk or > 3.5 kg. i.v. clindamycin dosage should be 20 mg/kg per day in 4 divided doses. In premature neonates < 4 wk, the dose should be reduced to 15 mg/kg per day in 3 divided doses. Term infants > 1 wk of age may also receive 20 mg/kg per day in 4 doses. [The use of antimicrobial agents effective against angerobic bacteria for the treatment of intraperitoneal infection and in patients undergoing gastrointestinal operations is discussed.].