Serum levels of articaine 2% and 4% in children.

The results of the present study of the pharmacokinetics of articaine in children show serum concentrations comparable to those in adults. The maximum values are distinctly lower with the 2% articaine solution. The t max found in our investigation was distinctly earlier than in comparable investigations on adults, whereas the plasma clearance was increased. There is no need to fix a lower mg/kg articaine dose limit for children because of age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics. The use of 2% articaine in pediatric dentistry is particularly advantageous because of the lower C max and the shorter half-life.