[A study of clinical application of cefotaxime in the perinatal period].

Pharmacokinetic studies of cefotaxime (CTX) were carried out in perinatal mothers and infants. CTX was promptly absorbed after intravenous injection, intravenous drip infusion and intramuscular injection in pregnant women, producing dose-related peak blood levels. Placental passage to the fetus was favorable. After intravenous injection, intravenous drip infusion and intramuscular injection of 500--1,000 mg of CTX, drug concentrations of the cord blood, amniotic fluid and fetal blood exceeded MICs of the main pathogenic organisms. By administration of this dose 1 to 2 times daily it is possible to successfully prevent or treat uterine infections. Passage of CTX into the milk of lactating mothers was minimal, suggesting that only minute quantities can possibly be transferred from the milk to newborn infants. Absorption of CTX in neonatal infants was prompt. The peak blood levels of 47.9 micrograms/ml were attained 15--30 minutes after intravenous injection of 20 mg/kg. The half-life ranged from 2.4--5.56 hours, depending on the number of days postpartus. CTX was effective in the prophylaxis and therapy of perinatal uterine infections.