The pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine following interpleural nerve block in infants of very low birthweight

Abstract

Infants of very low birthweight (VLBW) who underwent thoracotomy were given 2.0 mg.kg-1 of bupivacaine by the intrapleural route, and serial blood levels were taken to determine the pharmacokinetic profile in this group of babies. It was apparent that the half life was longer, clearance lower, and volume of distribution greater than in term infants. Although the drug did not reach toxic levels at this dose, caution should be observed when redosing as the accumulation of the drug may be unpredictable.