[Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of flomoxef in neonates]

Abstract

Clinical pharmacology and efficacy of flomoxef (FMOX) in neonates were investigated. And the following results were obtained. 1. Mean serum concentrations of FMOX at 30 minutes after administration were 24.3 micrograms/ml, 47.6 micrograms/ml, and 85.8 micrograms/ml at doses of 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg administered, respectively. 2. Mean serum half-lives of FMOX were 3.4 hours in 0-3 day-old neonates, and 2.6 hours in 4 day-old or older subjects. 3. A dose response was evident among different dose groups given 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg. 4. Urinary recovery rates of FMOX in the first 6 hours after administration ranged between 12.8 and 51.1%. 5. FMOX was effective in 7 out of 8 cases in which causative pathogens were identified. 6. Diarrhea was observed in 1 case as a side effect of the drug, but the symptom was relieved soon after the completion of the treatment. There was no case in which any abnormal laboratory results were observed. 7. FMOX has a broad spectrum of activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes. It is stable against most of beta-lactamases. It was demonstrated to be highly effective in our study, and yet without any serious side effects. FMOX is therefore considered to be one of the useful agents of the first choice for the treatment of bacterial infections such as sepsis and urinary tract infections in neonates and infants.