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A–Z of prescribing for children

02 March 2024
Volume 6 · Issue 3

Abstract

This series focuses on aspects of prescribing for neonates, children and young people, from A–Z. Aspects of pharmacokinetics will be considered, alongside legal considerations, consent and medications in schools

There is a continuing need for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture age-appropriate medications for children. It is not just preferences for particular formulations that need to be considered, but also an appreciation of the physical and biochemical differences between children and adults (Batchelor and Marriott, 2015). ‘Paediatrics’ covers a wide age range, from neonates to adolescents, so their needs are also varied (Nunn and Williams, 2005). While it is understood that the oral route of drug administration is preferred for all ages, due to convenience and stability, many different forms can be considered. Oral liquids tend to be favoured in the lower age ranges, and can include many types (see Table 1). The volume of the oral liquid to be administered needs to be acceptable to the child; in children under the age of 4 years, the maximum recommended volume is 5 mL, where children between the ages of 4–12 years should not have doses exceeding 10 mL (Batchelor and Marriott, 2015).

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