Paediatric prescribing Flashcards
in young infants, gastric emptying is prolonged until ?
6 months
2 factors affecting drug distribution
body composition
plasma protein
extracellular fluid volume and total body water in much higher/lower in infants and children than adults
higher
there is increased protein binding in premature babies, true or false
false, there is reduced binding
ie higher concentrations of free drug and Vd
enzyme systems in premature babies are not fully developed, true or false
true
hepatic function in babies is greater than in adults, true or false
true
what is the ideal route of drug administration
PO
what are considerations for PO administration
liquids should ideally be sucrose free
taste, colour and smell
flavourings/colourings may be allergenic
full dose is not always swallowed
tablets or capsules may be opened/dissolved/crushed to use in NG or PEG tube administration, true or false
true
reasons for non compliance of medications
child resistance
complicated dose regime
misunderstanding
side effects
what are dose calculations based on in children
age, weight and/or surface area
what is meant by unlicensed
no UK license
what is meant by off label
used for a different indication, dose or frequency
