Clinical Pharmacy Considerations in Special Population: Pediatrics

Abstract

During childhood, physiologic development results in changes to pharmacokinetic parameters that may result in different doses and formulations being required at different ages. In the pediatric population, dosage form is important and often needs to cover a diverse range of patients from neonates through to adolescents. Consideration of the dose, route of administration, volume and excipients of a formulation is required and manipulation of commercial medicines may be needed. The pharmacist plays a vital and varied role in ensuring children receive effective medicines that are also safe. As the role of the pharmacist evolves, specialized pediatric roles are emerging across the healthcare spectrum.