Abstract

The results of 49 serum gentamicin assays from children of 2 weeks to 11 years of age are presented. The dose of gentamicin given 8-hourly intramuscularly ranged from 0-7 mg/kg-4-9 mg/kg. Doses of 1-7 mg/kg or less did not give adequate serum concentrations. As a result of these observations it is suggested that an intramuscular dose of 2-5 mg/kg given 8-hourly is suitable for most children in the absence of renal failure, but that adjustment of the dose according to serum gentamicin concentration is necessary.