NURS 2004 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Kernicterus, Pharmacokinetics, Renal Physiology
Document Summary
Patients who are very young respond differently to drugs than do the rest of the population. Drug sensitivity in the very young is largely linked to organ immaturity. B/c of the heightened sensitivity, they are at an increased risk for adverse drug reactions. Pediatrics covers everyone less than a year to 16 years of age. 2/3 of pediatric drugs have never been tested on children (leads to lack of reliable information on dosing, pharmacokinetics, and both therapeutic and adverse reactions). 20% of drugs were ineffective in children that were effective in adults. 30% of drugs caused unanticipated side effects some of which were lethal. 20% of drugs studied required doses different than that of adults. Pharmacokinetics: neonates & infants (first 4 weeks postnatal-52 weeks postnatal) If drug levels are elevated, the responses will be more intense. If elimination is delayed, responses will be prolonged. When a drug is administered intravenously, levels decline slower in an infant than an adult.