Abstract
Intravenous (IV) genta is widely used in neonates, however a constant IV site may be difficult in prematures. We compared the pharmacokinetic profile of genta after IV and IM therapy in 16 neonates during the first wk of life. Genta was given (2.5 mg/kg/12 hr) IV as an infusion over 5 minutes on study days 1 & 2, then IM on days 3 & 4. In Group I, serum samples were obtained by heelstick 2,4,7, and 12 hours after genta was given IV on day 2 (4th dose) and after IM on day 4 (8th dose). In Group II, serum samples were obtained prior to and 20, 40, 60 and 120 minutes after IV and IM genta administration on day 2 and 4 respectively. Serum creatinine were also determined. All samples were frozen until analyzed by enzyme immunoassay (*EMIT system-Syva Corp.). Mean serum concentration obtained for both IV and IM routes in Groupl and II were similar (p>0.05). Peak serum concentrations were attained at approximately 20-40′ after IM administration for most patients and at or prior to 20′ for IV administration. t-test for mean serum concentrations at 120′ between Group I and II for bothlV and IM administration revealed no significant difference (p>0.05). This suggests that the combined serum concentration profiles generated in Group I and II could reflect actual serum concentrations of individual patients throughout the entire dosing period. IM administration of genta offers rapid drug absorption in neonates and provides serum drug concentration comparable to IV administration.Therefore, IM administration of genta can be a reasonable alternative to IV administration.
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Chow-Tung, E., Malalis, L., Lau, A. et al. 1453 COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS AND INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF GENTAMICIN IN NEONATES. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 685 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01482
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01482