Pharmacology in Pediatrics: Dosing and Safety Considerations

Abstract

Pharmacology in pediatrics involves the study of how medications affect children, considering their unique developmental physiology. Children are not simply small adults; they experience significant developmental changes that affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Consequently, pediatric pharmacology requires careful attention to drug dosing, safety, and efficacy to prevent adverse outcomes. This review explores key considerations in pediatric pharmacology, focusing on age-based dosing, weight-based dosing, the role of body surface area in drug calculation, and the importance of drug safety in pediatric populations. Understanding these principles is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions in children.

Keywords

• Pediatric pharmacology, drug dosing, pediatric safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, body surface area, weight-based dosing, drug metabolism, pediatric pharmacokinetics, drug excretion.