Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Flashcards
What percent of children are prescribed medications chronically?
25%
What is the age range for a pediatric patient?
0-18 years
What is the difference between a neonate and infant?
Neonate= 0-1 month
Infant= 1 month to 1 year
Define a premature neonate
A premature neonate is born before 37 weeks of gestation
Age of patient must be taken into consideration in order determine which 5 factors of a prescription?
- Selection of medication
- Dose
- Frequency
- Dosage form
- Adverse reaction
What is the issue with FDA approving medications for pediatric use
- Parents do not want to volunteer their children for trials
- Must study children in all age groups in order to approve
- Most children are healthy compared to adults
Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA)
FDA assessment of new drugs, indications, new dosing regimens, new active ingredients and new dosage forms for pediatric patients
Children have _________ respiratory rates compared to adults
Higher
Children have ______ blood pressure compared to adults
Lower
Children have _______ serum creatinine and albumin
Lower
Premature neonates have a reduced activity of which enzyme? What is its effect?
alpha amylase (pancreatic enzyme)
leads to reduced drug absorption of fat soluble drugs
What is the significant differences between the skin of a child and the skin of an adult? What is the significance?
Children have a thinner stratum corneum and their skin is more hydrated
topical agents will be systemically exposed for a longer period of time
What is the highest volume of injection a child can take?
0.5mL
Why do babies usually receive their injections in their thighs instead of their arm?
babies do not have much muscle mass in the arm compared to adults
A drug is pharmacologically active if it is bound or free?
free
