Population Pharmacokinetics and Dose Optimization of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Children.

We established pharmacokinetic parameters of vancomycin for critically ill children. We also observed that the current dosing regimen practiced in the intensive care unit was inadequate for achieving the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic target. We recommend vancomycin dose escalation in critically ill pediatric patients from 15 mg/kg 8 hourly (current dosing regimen) to either 6 hourly or 20 mg/kg 8 hourly with intense therapeutic drug monitoring for adverse effects.