Pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs in infancy

Abstract

Dosing in infancy is complicated by inadequate characterisation of pharmacokinetics, unpredictable drug concentrations and a lack of suitable dosage forms. Additional challenges are presented by the concomitant administration of interacting drugs (e.g. rifampicin in antituberculosis treatment) and disease conditions that may alter drug disposition. The extent and implications of breastmilk transfer of drugs to the infant are poorly understood. New technologies facilitate pharmacokinetic studies in infants and will improve access to therapeutic drug monitoring.