Clinical pharmacology of cefotaxime in pediatric patients.

Cefotaxime is a new cephalosporin with a spectrum of activity which may make it appropriate for use in pediatric patients. In 33 infants and children, administration of cefotaxime resulted in cure or improvement in 97% of patients, with eradication of 94% of isolated pathogens. Toxicity was minimal. The disposition of cefotaxime in this age group was similar to that reported for adults, with an elimination half-life of approximately 1.5 h, a volume of distribution of 1 liter/kg, a total serum clearance of 10 ml/min per kg, and a renal clearance of 6 ml/min per kg.