Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole after oral administration in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole after oral administration in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. After an overnight fast, a single dose of either 2 mg·kg⁻¹ or 8 mg·kg⁻¹ was administered in a suspension; five children received 2 mg·kg⁻¹ and four 8 mg·kg⁻¹ (ages 5–13 years). Blood samples were collected at various times on day 1, and once daily on days 2–7 after the dose. Fluconazole serum concentrations were measured by gas chromatography. At the dose of 2 mg·kg⁻¹, the C_max, AUC (0–∞), and t_1/2 ranged from 2.3–4.4 μg·ml⁻¹, 84.9–136 μg·h·ml⁻¹, and 19.8–34.8 h, respectively. At the dose of 8 mg·kg⁻¹ the C_max, AUC (0–∞), and t_1/2 ranged from 5.4–12.1 μg·ml⁻¹, 330–684 μgh·ml⁻¹, and 25.6–42.3 h, respectively. When compared with published data in healthy adults, fluconazole achieved similar serum concentrations in the present group of children, indicating a nearly complete degree of absorption.