Rationale
Informed use of medications and therapeutic agents is essential, especially
in pediatrics. Appropriate and successful treatment requires choice of the correct
medication, the appropriate dose, and both a dosage form and a dosing regimen
that will maximize compliance. The pharmacokinetics (absorption, metabolism,
distribution and elimination) of medications and their therapeutic and adverse
effects change as the child grows and matures. Child behavior and psychomotor
development influence a physician's choice of the form of medication dispensed
and of the expectation for compliance.
Objectives
- Describe the ways that physical and physiologic growth changes the pharmacokinetics
of commonly used medications in pediatrics. Specifically address drug absorption,
distribution, metabolism and elimination.
- Recognize drugs and other therapeutic agents such as immunizations that
are contraindicated or must be used with extreme caution in specific age groups
and patient populations.
- Summarize the factors that affect drug excretion into breast milk.
- Be cognizant of the importance of patient education in ensuring compliance
with prescribed treatment regimens.
- Demonstrate the ability to write a prescription.
- Explain how a drug dose is calculated for infants and prepubertal children.
- Understand the appropriate use of the following common medications classes
in the outpatient setting, including when it is NOT appropriate to treat with
a medication:
- Analgesics / antipyretics
- Antibiotics
- Bronchodilators
- Corticosteroids
- Cough and cold preparations
- Ophthalmic preparations
- Otic preparations
- Vitamin / mineral supplements
- List the most common generic types of medications used for management of
the following uncomplicated conditions:
- Otitis media
- Wheezing
- Conjunctivitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Urinary tract infection
- Impetigo
- Eczema
- Fever
- Streptococcal pharyngitis
- Acne
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