Serum levels of methicillin and ampicillin are reported in 82 term and premature infants in groups of increasing postnatal age. During the first day of life, term infants showed high and sustained serum levels following a single injection of either agent. When methicillin was given to groups of term infants beyond the first day of life, rapid changes in excretion rate occurred with increasing postnatal age. Premature infants showed similar changes in excretion rate with age, with higher levels at any given age than the term infants. These findings are discussed in relation to neonatal renal and hepatic function and suggestions are made regarding clinical use of these drugs. A brief description is given of a highly accurate bio-assay method for the penicillins which can be adapted for most antibiotics and is suitable for investigational and clinical use in small infants.
We read with interest the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation concerning dispensing of medications by physicians (Pediatrics. 1989;83:143-144). In 1987, dispensing of prepackaged prescriptions was a consideration at the Pocatello Children & Adolescent Clinic. A pharmacy that shared the same building as the clinic had closed in 1982. Despite the loss of the pharmacy, the need for patient convenience in obtaining medications continued. The decision was made not to purchase prepackaged prescriptions for dispensing by physicians. Instead, a community pharmacy (Future Generation Pharmacy) owned by the pediatricians was constructed.
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