Safe Prescribing and Monitoring in Pediatrics

The pediatric population encompasses a wide array of vastly different patient subsets. Each subset has unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences that often substantially differ from other subsets and the adult population. These differences lead to the need for unique and highly patient-specific medication regimens, as well as age-specific medication safety considerations such as adverse drug event warnings and potential contraindications. Normal pediatric growth and development impacts medication-related adverse events, requiring healthcare providers to reliably assess and manage these events. The differences in the medication use process required for optimization of pediatric medication regimens may lead to an increased potential for medication errors throughout the medication use process. Implementation of medication-specific health information technologies such as the computerized provider order entry, electronic prescribing, and clinical decision support has improved the medication use process and medication safety in the pediatric population and is a vital safety measure. Practitioners should take into account the unique pediatric medication needs and implement actions to maximize efficacy and safety of medications in pediatric patients.