[Drug therapy in newborns and young babies]

Over the last twenty years drug therapy for the newborn and young infant has developed from its empirical origins to a state where the results of intensive research can be applied. As biochemical studies have shown, enzyme activities and the mechanisms of detoxification are dependent on age. These findings have prompted pharmacokinetic considerations with regard to dosage, especially in repetitive dosage regimens. Further aspects include interference and in particular the protein-binding of drugs in the newborn, side effects of drugs administered to the expectant mother, only seen later in their infants, and side effects characteristic for the newborn. Finally mention is made of some recent advances in pediatric antimicrobial therapy. The most frequent side effect is the inefficiency of drugs because of underdosage.