Pediatric And Geriatric Pharmaceutics

Question 1

What are the 5 subgroups of the paediatric population?

Answer 1

Intrauterine (conception to birth)
Neonates (birth to 1 month)
Infant (1 month to 2 years
Child (2 years to onset of puberty)
Adolescent (onset of puberty to adult)

Question 2

What factors influence paediatric absorption?

Answer 2

Gastric acid output
Gastric emptying time
Intestinal transit time
Pancreatic enzyme activity
Colonization and metabolic activity of GI bacterial flora

Question 3

How is metabolism different in the pediatric population?

Answer 3

Phase I reactions such as oxidation and N-de methylation are delayed in the neonate, but are fully operational at or above adult levels by 4-6 months of age
Conjugation pathways such as glucuronidation do not approach adult values until 3-4 years of age

Question 4

What is geriatric pharmaceutics?

Answer 4

The branch of pharmaceutical science specific to the use of medications in the elderly, including dosage form, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and special medicinal needs appropriate to aging patients/consumers

Question 5

What is the definition of old age?

Answer 5

The advanced years of life when strength and vigor decline

Question 6

How is the geriatric population classified?

Answer 6

Young-old group: 65-74 years of age
Middle-old group: 75-84 years of age
Old-old group: 85 years and over

Question 7

How is absorption affected in the elderly?

Answer 7

There is an increase in gastric secretion, which leads to an increased pH. This can lead to increased gastric irritation by medications, and incomplete absorption

Question 8

How is metabolism affected in the elderly?

Answer 8

There is a decrease in hepatic blood flow, liver size and phase I metabolism
There is also an increase in liver dysfunction
This leads to an increased half life

Question 9

How is elimination affected in the elderly?

Answer 9

Renal functions deteriorate with age, leading to an increased half life

Question 10

What are some physical limitations unique to the geriatric population?

Answer 10

Dexterity
Vision
Swallowing and chewing

Question 11

Besides oral, transdermal and parenteral dosage forms, what are some alternative delivery systems for the geriatric population?

Answer 11

Granules
Coated tablets
Effervescent tablets
Dispersion or soluble tablets
Gel preparations
Concentrated oral solutions

Question 12

What are some elderly-friendly packaging?

Answer 12

Unit dose packages, avoid childproof or tamper proof containers
Use matte surfaces to minimize glare
Print instructions in light colours on dark background instead of dark colours on light background
Use distinct spacing between letters and increase heigh/thickness of letters

Question 13

What is paediatric pharmaceutics?

Answer 13

The branch of pharmaceutical science specific to use of medications in children, including dosage forms, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and special medicinal needs appropriate to young patients/consumers