Abstract

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the management of pediatric HIV infection, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality. However, the pharmacokinetic variability of antiretroviral drugs in pediatric patients poses significant challenges for optimizing dosing regimens and achieving therapeutic outcomes. This review examines the factors contributing to pharmacokinetic variability, including age-related changes in drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, genetic polymorphisms, and developmental differences in organ function. Understanding these factors is essential for individualizing treatment and minimizing the risk of treatment failure and drug toxicity. Strategies for optimizing dosing, such as therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenetic testing, are discussed. Additionally, the implications of pharmacokinetic variability on therapeutic outcomes, including virologic suppression and the development of drug resistance, are explored. Addressing pharmacokinetic variability in pediatric HIV patients is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy and improving long-term clinical outcomes.