Prescribing In Children Flashcards
Pre term neonate
Born before 37 weeks gestation
Term neonate
Born at 37 to 42 weeks gestation
Post term neonate
Born at 42 or more weeks gestation
Neonate
From 0 up to 28 days of age
Infant
From 28 days up to 24 months of age
Child
From 2 years up to 12 years of age
Adolescent
From 12 years up to 18 years
Corrected gestation age
Used in dose adjustment for premature baby
Corrected age = actual age in weeks - weeks premature
What factors affect durgs
Body weight
Body surf face area
Age range
Use ideal body weight if overweight
Hepatic impairment in children
Children have a large reserve of hepatic metabolic capacity
Dose adjustments is usually unnecessary, even in severe liver disease
Caution in pre term, neonates, infants,
Liver enzymes may be immature
Renal impairment in children
Dose reeducation based on the severity of renal impairment
Expressed in terms of GFR
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs in renal disease
Sugar in oral liquids
Dental caries
Sugar free - dont contain fructose, sucrose and glucose
Injections and children
IM are very painful - avoid
Benzyl alcohol in neonates - fatal toxic syndrome
Lactose in meds - avoid lactase intolerance
Polyoxyl castor oil used in IV preparations = anaphylaxis
Propylene glycol - adverse effects if elimination impaired e.g renal failure
Child resistant containers
Must be dispensed in this - prevent children access
Unless pt requested not to as it can be hard to open
What do RPS advice
To add keep out of sight and reach of children…
RPS advisory not a legal requirment
