Safe Administration of Drugs throughout the Life Cycle Flashcards
RNUR/PNUR 1030
What are the 4 phases of lifespan changes that have dramatic pharmacokinetic changes?
Pregnancy
Newborn
Pediatric
Older Adult
Drugs cross the placenta by
diffusion
What are factors affecting safety with drug therapy during pregnancy?
Drug Properties (chemistry, dosage, concurrently administered drugs)
Fetal gestational age
Maternal Factors
In the first trimester, the fetus is at the greatest risk for
drug-induced developmental defects
In the first trimester, what is developing at their most rapid rate?
Skeleton, muscle, limbs, and visceral organs
What should you NOT do during drug therapy in your first trimester of pregnancy?
Self treatment of illness
In the third trimester of pregnancy, what is a concern during drug therapy?
The greatest percentage of maternally absorbed drug gets to the fetus
Any change in the mom’s physiology can
affect the amount of drug to which the fetus may be exposed to.
Example: Changes in liver and kidney functions
The FDA does not have safety categories. INSTEAD, drug manufactures must
identify specific risks in PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING.
What are the three subsections in the prescribing phase for pregnancy labeling information?
Pregnancy
Lactation
Female and Males of reproductive potential
Breastfed infants are at risk for
exposure to drugs consumed by the mother
Drug levels in breast milk are usually
lower than those in the maternal circulation
What should you consider regarding drug therapy while breastfeeding?
Risk-to-benefit ratio
Infants and children generally require
lower doses than adults. (Duh, they are smaller)
Pediatric patients handle drugs much differently because
of the immaturity of their vital organs.
What category is between BIRTH and 1 MONTH of age?
Neonate
What category is between 1 MONTH and 12 MONTHS of age?
Infant
What category is between 1 and 12 YEARS of age?
Child
In pediatrics, altered maturity of organs can
affect drug dosage
In pediatrics, Tetracycline may
permanently discolor teeth
In pediatrics, system steroids may
suppress growth
(think of smol peepee)
In pediatrics, Gastric pH is less acidic until
1 to 2 years of age
In pediatrics, Gastric emptying slowed can affect
absorption in neonate and pediatric patients
In pediatrics, What route of drug administration is faster and irregular?
Intramuscular