Session 3_DRUG DOSING IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS Flashcards
What are the principles of prescribing in pediatric age group?
Consider physiological variability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics differences compared to adults
Pediatric patients have been labeled therapeutic orphans due to the lack of necessary data.
What is the difference in drug absorption between infants and adults?
Gastro-intestinal absorption is slower in infancy, but absorption from intra-muscular injection is faster.
How does the blood-brain barrier differ in neonates compared to older children?
The blood-brain barrier is more permeable in neonates, increasing the risk of CNS adverse effects.
What are the classifications of pediatric patients by age?
- Preterm Neonate (<37 weeks gestation)
- Neonate (Birth to 27 Days)
- Infant & Toddlers (28 Days to 23 Months)
- Young Child (2 to 5 Years)
- Older Child (6 to 11 Years)
- Adolescent (12 to 18 Years)
- Adult (>18 Years)
True or False: Children can be regarded as miniature adults in terms of drug response.
False
What factors must be considered when selecting a drug dosage regimen for a child patient?
- Age
- Weight
- Body surface area
- Dose interval
- Formulation
- Pharmacokinetics
- Interactions
- Adverse drug reactions
- Counseling and compliance aids
- Legal considerations
What is Young’s rule used for?
Calculating pediatric dosage when the patient’s weight is unknown.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a drug must be considered when selecting a method of dosage calculation.
[therapeutic index]
What is Clark’s rule for weight-based pediatric dosage calculation?
Weight (pounds) / 150 * adult dose
What should be monitored in pediatric patients receiving medication?
Drug concentration from serum or biological fluids to ensure desired effect and avoid ADR.
What physiological changes occur in term infants after birth?
Rapid changes in total body water and renal and hepatic function.
What is the significance of the therapeutic index in pediatric dosing?
Narrow therapeutic index drugs require careful dosing adjustments.
What is the effect of maternal drug administration on neonates?
It can induce neonatal enzyme activity.
What is a key characteristic of pediatric pharmacokinetics?
Pediatric population has unique Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) characteristics.
How does renal function change during toddlerhood?
Renal mechanisms exceed adult values, often necessitating larger doses per kilogram.
What is the formula to calculate Css,ave for a drug?
Css,ave = [F D] / [Cl * t]
How can age affect drug pharmacokinetics?
Age affects gastrointestinal function, body composition, and renal clearance.
What is a common issue in therapeutics for pediatric patients?
Sampling blood is difficult and questionable.
What is the recommended frequency for monitoring drug concentrations in pediatric patients?
It should be done regularly to avoid adverse drug reactions.
What dosing adjustment methods can be used based on therapeutic drug monitoring?
Dosing adjustments based on TDM and nomograms.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of drugs is often reduced in neonates.
[plasma protein binding]
