Cimetidine, an H2 receptor antagonist, is currently widely used to block gastric acid secretions in adult patients with peptic ulcers and to prevent stress ulceration and subsequent bleeding in critically ill or traumatized patients.1 It has also been used in newborns,2 despite lack of information on the pharmacologic effects and kinetic disposition of this drug in this age group. We, therefore, report the plasma elimination of this drug and its effect on gastric acid secretions in a premature neonate.
Report of a Case.—A 660-g female infant was born at 25 weeks' gestation. The first three weeks of life were complicated by severe apnea, bradycardia, and respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation. Congestive heart failure caused by a patent ductus arteriosus was also noted; it responded to diuretics and two courses of indomethacin and chloroquine phosphate. She received total parenteral nutrition. Impaired renal function was noted, presumably caused