risks associated with excipients in pediatric patients

Question 1

Benzoyl Alcohol

Answer 1

can cause neurotoxicity and metabolic acidosis especially in neonates

role as excipient: preservative

ex: IV lorazepam

Question 2

Ethanol

Answer 2

can cause neurotoxicity

role as excipient: solvent

ex: dexamethasone Intensol solution

Question 3

Polysorbates (20 and 80)

Answer 3

can cause liver and kidney failure; thrombocytopenia, ascites, and pulmonary deterioration observed in neonates

role as excipient: surfactant

ex: IV amiodarone

Question 4

Propylene glycol

Answer 4

can cause seizures, hyperosmolarity, metabolic acidosis, and neurotoxicity

role as excipient: solvent

ex: IV phenobarbital

Question 5

Sorbitol

Answer 5

can lead to osmotic diarrhea

role as excipient: sweetener

ex: loperamide