Pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime and desacetylcefotaxime in the young.

Available information on the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime (CTX) and desacetylcefotaxime (dCTX) indicates that their disposition depends on development, with the greatest changes occurring during the 1st year of life. To a great extent, these changes reside with the acquisition of renal function (e.g., both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion) during the 1st year of life. When the impact of development on CTX and dCTX disposition is considered, it is apparent that age-appropriate pharmacokinetic data can be used to individualize CTX dosing regimens according to age. Also, alternative dosing regimens that have been proven to be both safe and effective can be justified.