Pediatric Pharmacotherapy: Beyond Scaling—Understanding Developmental Dynamics and Therapeutic Adaptations
摘要
This chapter discusses the complexities of pediatric pharmacotherapy, emphasizing the need to recognize children as distinct from adults in medical treatment. There is a critical need to approach medication use in children with tailored strategies that take into consideration developmental pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variances. Historical lack of pediatric information in research and drug labeling has led to inadequate extrapolation of adult data and off-label use of medications, which can put children at risk. The discussion further extends into drug design challenges for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals and emphasizes the need for pediatric-specific formulations and prioritizing safety in children. Promising advancements in research integrating technology, data and artificial intelligence is on the horizon. However, caution and proactive efforts are essential to ensure the inclusion of children in these innovations. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and advancements in pediatric medicine, advocating for continued efforts to address their unique needs.