The bioavailability and maturing clearance of doxapram in preterm infants.

CONCLUSIONS: Dosing of doxapram only based on bodyweight results in the highest exposure in preterm infants with the lowest PNA and GA. Therefore, dosing may need to be adjusted for GA and PNA to minimize the risk of accumulation and adverse events. For switching to oral therapy, a 33% dose increase is required to maintain exposure.
IMPACT: Current dosing regimens of doxapram in preterm infants only based on bodyweight result in the highest exposure in infants with the lowest PNA and GA.Dosing of doxapram may need to be adjusted for GA and PNA to minimize the risk of accumulation and adverse events.Describing the pharmacokinetics of doxapram and its active metabolite keto-doxapram following intravenous and gastroenteral administration enables to include drug exposure to the evaluation of treatment of AOP.The oral bioavailability of doxapram in preterm neonates is 74%, requiring a 33% higher dose via oral than intravenous administration to maintain exposure.
PMID: 32698193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Pediatric Research - July 21, 2020 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Flint RB, Simons SHP, Andriessen P, Liem KD, Degraeuwe PLJ, Reiss IKM, Heine RT, Engbers AGJ, Koch BCP, Groot R, Burger DM, Knibbe CAJ, Völler S, DINO Research Group Tags: Pediatr Res Source Type: research