NURS 2004 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Kernicterus, Pharmacokinetics, Renal Physiology
28 Jan 2017
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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.
