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Paediatric specific dosage forms: Patient and formulation considerations

Dilawar Khan1, Daniel Kirby1, Simon Bryson2

  • 1Aston Pharmacy School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|January 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Developing safe and effective pediatric medicines is challenging due to unique physiological differences. This review explores drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and adherence factors in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Limited availability of high-quality pediatric formulations presents a significant challenge.
  • Approximately 50% of long-term medications and 10% of pediatric prescriptions are non-adherent, off-label, or unlicensed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review factors influencing the safety, toxicity, and efficacy of pediatric drug delivery.
  • To discuss anatomical, physiological, and pharmacokinetic differences in pediatric populations.
  • To assess current and innovative pediatric dosage forms and adherence strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, and adherence.
  • Analysis of anatomical and physiological differences between pediatric subsets and adults.
  • Evaluation of existing and novel pediatric dosage forms.

Main Results:

  • Significant anatomical and physiological variations exist within pediatric subsets, impacting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.
  • Current pediatric dosage forms have limitations, with innovative small, flexible solid oral dosage forms showing promise.
  • Factors affecting pediatric medicine adherence include formulation, administration route, and patient/caregiver acceptance.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding pediatric-specific physiological differences is crucial for safe and effective drug development.
  • Optimizing pediatric drug delivery requires addressing pharmacokinetic variations and improving dosage form acceptability.
  • Strategies to enhance adherence are essential for improving therapeutic outcomes in children.

Keywords:
Age-appropriateAnatomyMedicine adherencePediatricsPharmacokineticsPhysiology

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