Nutritional consequences of drugs used in pediatrics

Pediatric drugs may have significant nutritional consequences via their effects on appetite, nutrient absorption, nutrient metabolism, and nutrient excretion. Examples of common drugs and effects on nutrition include the inhibition of vitamin C storage by aspirin; impairment of folic acid utilization by phenobarbital; phenylalanine accumulation by trimethoprim; and lipolysis caused by caffeine. Nutritional consequences of drugs are of greater clinical significance in children who are malnourished and in those on drugs for prolonged periods. It is important that physicians consider possible deleterious consequences of drugs in making therapeutic choices.