Journal of Pharmacokinetics & Experimental Therapeutics
Open Access

Pediatric pharmacokinetics; Medicine; Young patients

Introduction

Children undergo rapid growth and development, resulting in physiological differences that can impact drug disposition. Factors such as body weight, organ function, enzyme activity, and developmental maturation influence the pharmacokinetics of medications in pediatric patients [1]. Failure to account for these differences may lead to inappropriate dosing, therapeutic failure, or increased risk of adverse effects. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in pediatric pharmacokinetics research. Regulatory initiatives have encouraged pediatric drug development, leading to the availability of pediatric-specific formulations and dosing guidelines for many medications [2, 3]. Advances in technology and study design have facilitated the prediction and optimization of drug therapy for pediatric patients.

Description

Pediatric pharmacokinetics is a specialized field within medicine that focuses on understanding how drugs behave in the bodies of children [4]. Unlike adults, pediatric patients undergo rapid growth and development, resulting in significant physiological differences that can affect how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted [5]. Tailoring medication regimens to meet the unique needs of young patients is essential for ensuring safe and effective treatment [6].

This description explores the intricacies of pediatric pharmacokinetics, highlighting the importance of customizing drug therapy for children [7, 8]. It delves into the factors that influence drug disposition in pediatric patients, such as body weight, organ function, enzyme activity, and developmental stage [9]. By understanding these dynamics, healthcare providers can optimize dosing regimens and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Moreover, the description emphasizes the challenges associated with pediatric pharmacokinetics, including limited availability of pediatric-specific data, ethical considerations in research involving children, and the need for age-appropriate drug formulations. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in pediatric drug development, driven by regulatory initiatives and technological advancements [10].

Conclusion

Looking ahead, continued research and collaboration are essential for advancing the field of pediatric pharmacokinetics. By prioritizing pediatric-specific studies, improving drug formulations, and integrating pharmacokinetic principles into clinical practice, healthcare providers can ensure that children receive optimal care tailored to their unique physiological and developmental characteristics. In conclusion, unlocking the dynamics of pediatric pharmacokinetics is critical for tailoring medications to meet the needs of young patients. By addressing the complexities of drug disposition in children, healthcares providers can improve therapeutic outcomes and enhance the quality of care for pediatric patients worldwide.

1. Emwas AH, Szczepski K, Poulson BG, Chandra K, McKay RT, et al. (2020) “Gold Standard” Method in Drug Design and Discovery. Molecules 25: 4597.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

2. Li Q, Kang CB (2020) A Practical Perspective on the Roles of Solution NMR Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery. Molecules 25: 2974.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

3. Pellecchia M, Bertini I, Cowburn D, Dalvit C, Giralt E, et al. (2008) Perspectives on NMR in drug discovery: A technique comes of age. Nat Rev Drug Discov 7: 738-745.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

4. Shuker SB, Hajduk PJ, Meadows RP, Fesik SW (1996) Discovering high-affinity ligands for proteins: SAR by NMR. Science 274: 1531-1534.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

5. Lamoree B, Hubbard RE (2017) Current perspectives in fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD). Essays Biochem 61: 453-464.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

6. Harner MJ, Frank AO, Fesik SW (2013) Fragment-based drug discovery using NMR spectroscopy. J Biomol NMR 56: 65-75.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

7. Li Q (2020) Application of Fragment-Based Drug Discovery to Versatile Targets. Front Mol Biosci 7: 180.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

8. Murray CW, Rees DC (2009) The rise of fragment-based drug discovery. Nat Chem 1: 187-192.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar

9. Ayotte Y, Murugesan JR, Bilodeau F, Larda S, Bouchard P, et al. (2017) Discovering Quality Drug Seeds by Practical NMR-based Fragment Screening. Protein Sci 26: 194-195.

Google Scholar

10. Erlanson DA, Fesik SW, Hubbard RE, Jahnke W, Jhoti H (2016) Twenty years on: The impact of fragments on drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 15: 605-619.

Indexed at, Crossref, Google Scholar