Clinical pharmacokinetics of amikacin in hypoxic premature foals.
Abstract: The pharmacokinetics of amikacin, administered iv at 7 mg/kg, every 8 h, were evaluated over the first 48 h of hospitalisation in 7 critically ill hypoxic premature foals and compared with those in 8 full-term nonhypoxic critically ill neonatal foals. The pharmacokinetic data were used to calculate dosage schedules that would maintain the plasma amikacin concentrations in individual foals within a target range of > or = 15 micrograms/ml but < 30 micrograms/ml for peak values and < or = 3 micrograms/ml for trough values. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in the amikacin serum half-life (5.39 +/- 3.46 h) and smaller elimination rate constant (0.17 +/- 0.09 h-1) in premature foals. The pharmacokinetic derangements required increasing the dose to 8.5-10.5 mg/kg bwt in 6 of 7 premature foals and an increase in the dosage interval to 12-24 h in all 7 foals. Overall, the total dosage of amikacin was decreased in the hypoxic, premature foals so that target peaks and troughs could be maintained. Our findings suggest that prematurity and hypoxia are variables related to a prolonged serum half-life of amikacin in hypoxic, premature foals. Although there was no evidence of amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in any of these foals, daily monitoring and tailoring of the dose schedule to the individual foal are strongly advised.
Publication Date: 1993-07-01 PubMed ID: 8354211DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02963.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research study investigated the effects of hypoxia and prematurity on the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic amikacin in foals. The results revealed a longer drug half-life and slower elimination rate in premature, hypoxic foals, prompting adjustments to dosage schedules.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted a comparative study on a specific population of foals – 7 premature, hypoxic (oxygen-deficient) foals and 8 full-term, non-hypoxic foals. Both groups were critically ill upon hospitalization.
- Amikacin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections, was given intravenously at a dosage of 7 mg/kg every 8 hours, and its effects were monitored over the first 48 hours of hospitalization.
Data Analysis and Findings
- The statistical evaluation of pharmacokinetics indicated significant changes in premature, hypoxic foals as compared to full-term, non-hypoxic foals.
- Specifically, the half-life, or the time it takes for the concentration of the drug to halve in the body, was increased in premature foals (5.39 ± 3.46 hours), indicating a slower metabolism and elimination of the drug.
- The elimination rate constant, a measure of how quickly the drug is removed from the body, was also lower (0.17 ± 0.09 per hour) in the premature foals.
- These findings led to revisions in dosage schedules. In 6 of 7 premature foals, the dosage had to be increased to 8.5-10.5 mg/kg body weight, and in all 7 foals, the dosage interval needed to be extended to 12-24 hours.
Research Implications
- This research indicates that factors like prematurity and hypoxia impact the pharmacokinetics of amikacin in foals, which can have significant implications on drug dosage and frequency.
- The prolonged half-life of amikacin in premature, hypoxic foals requires particular attention to ensure the dosage schedules maintain effective plasma concentrations without exceeding toxic levels. The target concentration range was between 15-30 micrograms/ml for peak values and less than or equal to 3 micrograms/ml for trough concentrations.
- Although no evidence of amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) was observed in this study, researchers recommend daily monitoring and individual adjustment of dosage schedules considering the health variables of each foal.
Cite This Article
APA
Green SL, Conlon PD.
(1993).
Clinical pharmacokinetics of amikacin in hypoxic premature foals.
Equine Vet J, 25(4), 276-280.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02963.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Amikacin / pharmacokinetics
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Female
- Gestational Age
- Horse Diseases / metabolism
- Horses
- Hypoxia / metabolism
- Hypoxia / veterinary
- Male
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Paegelow JL, Schoonover MJ, Young JM, Maxwell LK, Taylor JD, Gilliam LL, Holbrook TC. Pharmacokinetics of amikacin after intravenous, intra-articular, and combined intravenous and intra-articular administration in healthy neonatal foals. J Vet Intern Med 2024 May-Jun;38(3):1825-1834.
- Haritova A, Lashev L. Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in lactating sheep. Vet Res Commun 2004 Jul;28(5):429-35.
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