Ceftazidime pharmacokinetics in preterm newborns on the first day of life.

Ceftazidime pharmacokinetics were studied in 13 preterm newborns requiring antibiotic treatment, following intramuscular administration of a 50 mg/kg dose in the first 24 hours of life. The main pharmacokinetic parameters (peak concentration, time to reach peak, plasma half-life, area under the curve, elimination constant, distribution volume and plasma clearance) were determined directly from the serum concentrations observed. The clinical and bacteriological response to ceftazidime treatment was good; no side effects or alterations of biohumoral parameters were noted.