what percent of medications lack pediatric labeling
70-80%
What does the “pediatric orphan” refer to?
Most pediatric drugs have no FDA approved indication for what they are used for
what are 4 challenges of pediatric research
- ethical problems
- logistical difficulties
- financial concerns
- legal concerns
what are 4 challenges of pediatric dosing
- lack of appropriate dosing information
- adverse events
- unique pediatric clinical problems
- reimbursement denial
When children are younger than what age, they are unable to swallow tablets/ capsules
younger than 5 years of age
what are some common medication errors in pediatrics?
- teaspoon/ tablespoon confusion
- assume cup is unit of measure
- assume recommended dose is one capful
What are 4 ways pharmacists can prevent medication errors in the community
- estimation of weight aboids massive under dose/ overdose (1 yr old ~ 10 kg; 5 yr old = 20kg)
- ask caregiver/ call physician for weight if needed
- education on tablespoon/ teaspoon
- demonstration of use of device
what are 3 key points when administering oral liquids for pediatrics
- shake liquids/ suspensions well
- administer medication with infants head upright
- avoid using kitchen spoons; amount can very 2-3 fold
what are the acceptable devices for administering oral liquids oral liquids for pediatrics
- oral syringe
- droppers
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
at what age are children able to chew chewable tablets
children older than 2 years old
what are the advantages to chewable tablets
- platable
- stable
- precise dosing
- portable
- ease of administration
what are the 6 points you must think about when trying to improve pediatric adherence
- is the medication efficacious
- what are the side effects of the medication
- how often must the medication be given
- what is the cost of the drug
- how is the medication formulated
- how does the medication taste
