The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the H2-receptor antagonist famotidine have been well described in adult subjects. However, similar data for children are not available. Therefore, this study looked at the disposition of the drug (given to prevent aspiration following cardiac surgery) in 10 paediatric patients with normal kidney function (age range 2 to 7 years, bodyweight 14 to 25 kg) after a single intravenous dose of famotidine 0.3 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of the drug and gastric pH values were both monitored for 20 hours by high performance liquid chromatography and aspiration of gastric juice, respectively. Plasma famotidine concentrations declined with an elimination half-life of 3.3 +/- 1.8 h (mean +/- SD) and the drug was effective in elevating the gastric pH above 3.5 for about 9 hours in 6 patients. The variable volume of distribution and total plasma clearance of famotidine averaged 1.4 +/- 1.0 L/kg and 0.3 +/- 0.17 L/h/kg, respectively. In 4 patients unchanged famotidine could also be measured in a 12-hour urine fraction. The amount excreted (21 to 79%) correlated with clearance (r = 0.97). All these data are comparable to those obtained in healthy adults, indicating that paediatric patients receiving intensive medical treatment after cardiac surgery can handle famotidine in a way very similar to healthy adult subjects. A dosage of 0.3 mg/kg every 8 hours appears to be advisable.