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Pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital in childhood

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Summary

In 14 neonates 1–4 weeks old, 30 babies aged 1–12 months, and 7 infants of 1–5 years of age, the serum levels of phenobarbital were determined by a gas chromatographic micro-method after intravenous injection of phenobarbital 5–10 mg per kg body weight. It was possible to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters using a two compartment open model. The distribution volumes within the individual age groups and the rate constants k12 and k21 showed no significant differences, but the elimination half-life was significantly longer in neonates (118.6±16.1 h) than in babies (62.9±5.2 h) or infants (68.5±3.2 h).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Hospital of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    G. Heimann &  E. Gladtke (Direktor der Universitätskinderklinik)

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  1. G. Heimann
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  2. E. Gladtke
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Heimann, G., Gladtke, E. Pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital in childhood. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 12, 305–310 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00607431

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00607431

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