PHARMACOKINETICS OF FLUCONAZOLE IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS

The pharmacokinetic properties of fluconazole were studied in more tha n 100 pediatric patients, including 12 premature neonates. The volume of distribution and the rate of elimination differed significantly fro m the values reported for adults. The volume of distribution varied wi th age, being greatest during the neonatal period (1.18 to 2.25 l/kg) and decreasing by young adulthood to a value similar to that reported for adults (0.7 l/kg). With the exception of neonates, fluconazole cle arance was generally more rapid in children than in adults, with a mea n plasma elimination half-life of just over 20 h for all pediatric age groups. In neonates, fluconazole was eliminated slowly, with a mean e limination half-life of 88.6 h at birth, 67.5 h approximately one week later and 55.2 approximately two weeks after birth. Fluconazole appea red to be well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. These pharmac okinetic results, taken in conjunction with the corresponding data for adults, provide a sound basis for establishing appropriate fluconazol e dosage recommendations for pediatric patients.