Pediatric dosage

Definition

Pediatric dosage is the specific amount of medication prescribed to children, taking into account their age, weight, and developmental stage. It ensures both efficacy and safety in treating various pediatric conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pediatric dosages are often calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (BSA).
2. Children's metabolic rates can affect how quickly drugs are processed, requiring adjustments in dosage.
3. The FDA provides guidelines for pediatric dosing, but clinical judgment is crucial for individual cases.
4. Off-label drug use is common in pediatrics due to limited studies on children.
5. Adverse drug reactions can be more severe in children, necessitating careful monitoring.

Review Questions

• Why is it important to calculate pediatric dosages based on body weight or BSA?
• What factors influence how a child's body metabolizes medication differently from an adult?
• What are some of the risks associated with off-label drug use in pediatrics?

Related terms

Body Surface Area (BSA): A measurement used to calculate drug dosages typically expressed in square meters.

Off-Label Use:

Prescribing drugs for an age group or condition not specifically approved by regulatory agencies.

Metabolic Rate: The rate at which the body processes substances, influencing how medications are metabolized.