Stereoselective disposition of ibuprofen enantiomers in infants.

The pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of ibuprofen were investigated after oral administration of a single 7.6 +/- 0.3 mg kg-1 dose of the racemate in 11 infants. Mean (+/- s.d.) half-lives were 1.6 +/- 0.5 h for S(+) and 1.5 +/- 0.5 h for R(-) and mean (+/- s.d.) AUC values were 31.5 +/- 14.3 mg l-1 h for S(+) and 36.6 +/- 13.8 mg l-1 h for R(-). Since plasma concentrations of the active S(+)-isomer were lower than those reported in adults, a higher dosage might be required in infants.