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Published on: December 3, 2020

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous omeprazole in critically ill paediatric patients

Maria Jose Solana1, Jesús López-Herce

  • 1Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón de Madrid, Spain. mjsolana@hotmail.com

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Proton pump inhibitors are safe for children, but age impacts drug metabolism. Further studies are needed to establish optimal pediatric dosing for these gastrointestinal drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are primary treatments for gastrointestinal diseases.
  • These drugs exhibit a favorable safety profile, allowing for pediatric use.
  • Limited pharmacokinetic data exists for PPIs in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the use of proton pump inhibitors in pediatric patients.
  • To highlight the need for age-specific dosing due to metabolic variations.
  • To discuss the application of PPIs in critically ill children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on PPI pharmacokinetics in children.
  • Analysis of factors influencing drug metabolism based on age.
  • Examination of PPI use in pediatric gastrointestinal hemorrhage prophylaxis and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Age significantly affects proton pump inhibitor metabolism in children.
  • Omeprazole is the most commonly used PPI in this population.
  • Limited clinical experience exists for PPIs in critically ill pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric dosing of proton pump inhibitors requires age-specific adjustments.
  • Further research is essential to determine optimal doses and intervals for children.
  • Specific patient characteristics may alter PPI pharmacokinetics, necessitating tailored approaches.

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