Abstract
The number of medications used in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units continues to increase steadily, with a concomitant increase in the potential for drug interactions and toxicity. In order to provide more pharmacokinetic information to the medical staff, we developed a computer program using Lotus 1-2-3 on an IBM-PC employing well known pharmacokinetic equations for predicting individual patient parameters. The program has user-friendly menus that include on-line help screens making it easy to obtain the following information:
1. Calculate half-life, volume of distribution, ideal dose and ideal interval in any given drug.
2. Given a desired interval, desired peak and desired trough, it will calculate a recommended dose.
3. Visualize graphically the serum level versus time curve of the “current” and “proposed” regimen, or superimpose both.
4. Do the above when the peak and trough levels are obtained either during “steady-state” or after an “initial” dose.
This program works for any drug that has a first order elimination rate constant (aminoglycosides, theophylline, digitalis, phenobarbital, etc.), regardless of the patient's age and size, i.e., neonates, infants, children or adults.
It can be utilized as a learning tool by using simulated or actual patient data, or in a hospital unit as a way to monitor patient serum levels and potentially decrease unwanted toxicity.
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Contreras, E., Bustamante, J. & Park, J. A SPREADSHEET PROGRAM FOR TEACHING PHARMACOKINETICS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 283 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00695
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00695