CH ppt Flashcards
What is altered physiology in children related to drug metabolism?
Low production of gastric acid and erratic gastric emptying in the first year of life
Altered physiology also includes smaller ratio of gut surface area to body mass and greater gut permeability to larger molecules.
How does the body fat composition in children affect drug distribution?
Greater proportion of body fat and larger extracellular volume may alter the volumes of distribution of some drugs.
What is the significance of drug-metabolizing enzyme maturation in children?
Maturation of drug-metabolizing enzyme pathways in the liver occurs at different rates over the first year.
Describe the absorption characteristics in neonates.
Slower rates of gastric emptying and intestinal transit; gastric pH is neutral, reducing absorption of weak acids but increasing absorption of weak bases.
What is a key difference in distribution of drugs in neonates compared to adults?
Neonates have a lower body fat content and higher total body water, impacting distribution of water and lipid soluble drugs.
What effect does lower plasma albumin concentration in neonates have on drug binding?
Lower plasma albumin concentration and higher free fatty acid concentration may increase the proportion of drug able to cross the blood–brain barrier.
Why should drugs strongly bound to albumin be avoided during neonatal jaundice?
They may displace bilirubin from protein-binding sites, increasing the risk of kernicterus.
What is the relationship between liver mass and drug clearance in young children?
Drug clearance is often higher in young children than in adults, due to their higher relative liver mass and greater hepatic blood flow per kilogram of body weight.
How does renal elimination of drugs change in children by the age of 6–8 months?
Elimination of drugs like digoxin, gentamicin, and penicillin will be slower until about 6–8 months of age.
What is the formula for calculating drug dose for a child?
Drug dose for a child = adult dose x SA of child (in m2). / 1.8
What are the pharmacokinetic considerations for paracetamol in infants?
- Infants have immature liver enzyme systems affecting metabolism:
- Less NAPQI produced in overdose -> more resistant to overdose of paracetamol than adults
Why do aminoglycosides require careful dosing in neonates and infants?
Kidney function is not fully developed, leading to prolonged clearance of drugs like gentamicin.
What is a potential risk for children who are ultra-rapid metabolizers of opioids?
Increased risk of opioid toxicity.
What are paradoxical reactions associated with first-generation antihistamines in children?
Some children may experience paradoxical excitation rather than sedation.
oral solution vs suspension
- Oral solution: particles dissolved in the liquid are much smaller
- Oral suspension: particles larger so precipitate to bottom when its left, need to shake a suspension first before using
converting units
How does long-term use of corticosteroids affect children?
It can affect growth and development more significantly than in adults.
What are the common references for choosing and adjusting drug dosage in children?
BNF-C, NICE guidelines, medicines for children, EPS.
preterm vs neonate vs infant.
Preterm: born before 37 weeks gestation
Neonate: birth to 27 days
Infant/ toddler : 28 days to 2 yrs
Child: 2 -12 yrs
Adolescent: 12 to 16/18 days
What is the primary use of paracetamol in children?
Usually preferred for mild to moderate pain +/- fever.
What should be avoided in children under 16, except in specific conditions?
Aspirin. Only used for kawasaki and rheumatic fever
What is Reye’s syndrome?
- Usually between 5 -14 yrs
- Acute encephalopathy and fatty degeneration of the liver
- Usually occurs during recovery of viral illness, with rapid deterioration
- Associated with aspirin use
What is the role of NSAIDs like ibuprofen in pediatric care?
Useful for disease with pain and inflammation +/- fever.