drug therapy in children
Last reviewed 01/2018
Drug therapy in the young should follow these principles:
- dosage - there is no all-embracing formula
- there is no substitute for clincal proof of efficacy and safety. Need to check an indication for children - look up in ABPI Data Sheet Compendium.
- check doses; be certain. Carry a calculator.
- use paediatric vade mecum
Modes of administration include:
- consider injections - may be unduly painful
- oral formulations
- tablets - hard to swallow
- elixirs - but there may be problems with the precision of the dose
- problems with vomiting