Blood Levels of Abacavir After One Dose in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents

Pharmacokinetic differences between children and adults have resulted in recommended doses of abacavir based on weight that are higher for children than for adults. There are insufficient data to determine whether the pediatric or adult dose is more appropriate for HIV-infected adolescent patients. This study measures pharmacokinetic data for abacavir in the adolescent population so that an appropriate dosage can be determined. Patients are evenly enrolled into 2 groups based on Tanner Stage. Group I patients are Tanner Stage 1 or 2 (pre-pubertal). Group II patients are Tanner Stage 3, 4, or 5 (pubertal). Each patient receives a single oral dose of abacavir given as the commercially available oral solution. Pharmacokinetic blood samples are collected before dosing and at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4, 6, and 8 hours post dose for abacavir concentrations.