[Pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluation of rectal hydrophilic gel of methohexital in pediatric surgery].

The purpose of the study was to develop and to test a new form of rectal systemic gel for methohexitone administration in children undergoing minor surgery. Pharmacokinetics of methohexitone were determined in children following intravenous or intrarectal administration either at low or therapeutic dosage. Anaesthesic efficacy of this gel was performed in 11 patients receiving a therapeutic dosage (25 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetics of methohexitone appears independent of both dosage and route of administration in children. The bioavailability of the rectal gel appears sufficient to provide efficient clinical plasmatic concentrations. As a consequence of the rapid and good resorption of methohexitone from rectal lumen and of the low variability of plasmatic concentrations, a rapid and reliable sedation was observed in all patients. The clinical anaesthesic efficacy of the rectal hydrophilic gel associated with the absence of an apparent local intolerance and important side effects, make this new form suitable for methohexitone administration in children.