Y4 - Pharmacy Tutorial

Question 1

Why is prescribing in paediatrics different to adult medicine?

Answer 1

Different growth and development rates affect ADME mechanisms (e.g. reduced renal function, hepatic function (immature enzymes) & protein binding in neonates)

Different diseases

More prone to ADRs

Lack of medications

Use of liquid preparations

Question 2

What are the main sources of paediatric drug information?

Answer 2

BNFc
Neonatal formulary
Local policies and guidelines, e.g. treatment of asthma
Clinical pharmacist
DIAL or paediatric drug information advisory line

Question 3

Define off label prescribing

Answer 3

Drug has a license but is being used out with the conditions of its license, e.g. different route of administration, different age range,

Question 4

What are specials?

Answer 4

Medicines made under a specials license by a manufacturer

Question 5

What are imports?

Answer 5

Medicines imported from another country in which they are licensed for use

Question 6

What are unlicensed medicines?

Answer 6

Medicines that do not have a license to be used in that country

Question 7

What are some key points to remember about prescribing in paediatrics?

Answer 7

Use age/wt/surface area
Check if licensed
Express dose in whole numbers, avoiding decimal places
Always describe doses instead of volumes
If different strengths you must specify which you are using

Question 8

If an oral solution contains alcohol, how might you get around giving this to a child?

Answer 8

Can go to specials company and see if they will make it alcohol free

Question 9

What can be used to help with IV administration of drugs?

Answer 9

Lidocaine can be used to numb the skin before venepuncture

Question 10

Can you use tablets through gastrotomy/naso-gastric tubes?

Answer 10

Avoid this as they make block the tubing