THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF ISONIAZID IN CHILDREN

Authors:
  • CAC ADVENIER
    C ADVENIER
  • ASA SAINTAUBIN
    A SAINTAUBIN
  • PSP SCHEINMANN
    P SCHEINMANN
  • JPJ PAUPE
    J PAUPE
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  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
Abstract
The metabolism of isoniazid (INH) was investigated in 134 children 0.5-17 yr old, to provide guidelines for dosage. The distribution of slow (55.5%) and fast (44.5%) acetylators was the same in children as in adults. The mean values of INH inactivation index were lower (0.23 and 0.48) while distribution volumes (1.30 .+-. 0.06 and 1.57 .+-. 0.17 l/kg) and total plasma clearances (5.39 .+-. 0.43 and 14.7 .+-. 1.5 ml/kg per min) were higher than in adults. Plasma half-lives were similar in children and adults. INH is more rapidly metabolized in children owing perhaps to a higher liver weight:body weight ratio and to a more pronounced 1st pass effect. The doses of INH must be higher in children and strictly adapted to each individual.