Pharmacotherapy 21
Pediatrics
Card 1 of 12Principles
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Not just small adults
Pediatric Pharmacotherapy
Children have age-dependent pharmacokinetics; dosing is usually weight-based (mg/kg).
Organ systems mature over time, so neonates, infants, and children handle drugs differently. Always cap weight-based doses at the adult maximum.
Weight-based dosing
Most pediatric doses are mg/kg/day - but never exceed the adult dose. Neonates have immature renal/hepatic clearance.