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Evaluation of Drug Sorption to PVC- and Non-PVC-based Tubes in Administration Sets Using a Pump
Published on: March 11, 2017
Paediatric and geriatric drug delivery
Jörg Breitkreutz1, Joachim Boos
1Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. joerg.breitkreutz@uni-duesseldorf.de
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|December 23, 2006
Summary
Developing age-adapted drug formulations presents challenges for pediatric and geriatric populations. New solutions focus on improving drug delivery, considering factors like enzyme immaturity and swallowing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Development
- Formulation Science
Background:
- Age-adapted drug formulations are critical but challenging in drug development.
- Paediatric and geriatric patients have unique physiological and handling requirements for medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the specific needs of paediatric and geriatric populations regarding drug formulations.
- To explore novel approaches for overcoming prominent challenges in drug delivery for these age groups.
Main Methods:
- Review of special requirements for paediatric and geriatric drug formulations.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic differences due to age-related physiological changes (e.g., enzyme immaturity, organ function).
- Evaluation of challenges in drug handling and administration, including swallowing difficulties and palatability.
Main Results:
- Similarities and particularities exist between paediatric and geriatric patient needs.
- Pharmacokinetics are affected by immature enzymes in neonates/infants and co-morbidity/reduced organ function in the elderly.
- Smaller particle sizes and liquid dosage forms are preferable to solid forms due to swallowing difficulties; palatability is a key issue for liquids.
Conclusions:
- Careful selection of excipients is crucial for neonates and infants.
- Improved drug handling and readable product information are essential for both populations.
- Technological advancements like dose sipping and supportive legislation may enhance drug delivery for paediatric and geriatric patients.
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