Abstract
A new β-lactamase-stable oral cephem antibiotic, cefixime (CFIX), was evaluated for safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics in children. CFIX was effective in 19 of 20 cases (95%) with bacterial infections. The drug was especially effective against the cases of pneumonia due to β-lactamase-producing H. influenzae or B. catarrhalis.
Pharmacokinetic parameters of CFIX (3mg/kg) with premeal administration were as follows: Kel 0.328±0.066 hr-1, T 1/2 2.14±0.36 hrs, AUC 10.9±8.7μg.hr/ml, and Vd/F 1.64±1.42L/kg. In most of the cases tested, the urinary excretion rate in 12 hours was 5 to 17%. A dose of 3mg/kg twice daily seems to be adequate for a regular treatment.
