Pharmacokinetics of roxithromycin in paediatrics

Abstract

Macrolides are well known for their high lipid solubility and good tissue penetration. The pharmacokinetic properties of roxithromycin, a new semisynthetic macrolide, appear to be very interesting in healthy adult patients. Five paediatric pharmacokinetic studies are summarized and show that the pharmacokinetic properties of roxithromycin in paediatrics are very similar to those previously reported in adults and suggest that the same dose every 12 h is appropriate in paediatrics, 2.5 mg/kg. The diffusion of roxithromycin into upper respiratory tract tissues appears to be good in children.