Week 3: Pediatric Patients

Question 1

Drug absorption differences in Pediatric patients

Answer 1

• absorption of drugs are unpredictable d/t larger small intestinal surface area
• decreased gastric acidity (more basic gastric pH)
• increased absorption of basic drugs (diazepam and theophylline) in a more basic environment so want to give less of that drug
• decreased absorption of more acidic drugs (phenobarbital) so want to give more of that drug
• increased skin permeability
• enhanced absorption of topical medications

Question 2

Drug distribution in premature neonates and neonates patients

Answer 2

• decreased plasma proteins
• more free drug
• decreased blood brain barrier

Question 3

Drug metabolism differences in pediatric patients

Answer 3

Neonates through infancy

• liver is immature
• phase I enzymes are still developing so action of drugs will be decreased

Question 4

Drug excretion in pediatric patients

Answer 4

• neonates through infancy
• renal elimination is decreased/decreased GFR
• drugs that are renally excreted clear slower
• increased risk of toxicity

Question 5

Pediatric medication administration

Answer 5

• Important to teach parents about the storage of drugs and how to administer drugs
• for infants/toddlers - liquid medications that are palatable with higher concentration in a smaller amount of volume - given with a syringe for more accurate dosing - fewest doses/day as possible
• These are vulnerable patients - more prone to potential ADR
• unable to tell you how they feel