Calculation of Drug Dosages in Pediatric Patients

Principles of Pediatric Drug Dosing

Pediatric drug dosing requires precise calculations due to differences in metabolism, organ development, and drug clearance compared to adults. Safe and effective pediatric medication administration depends on factors such as weight-based dosing, age-adjusted pharmacokinetics, and consideration of physiological variability.

Key Principles of Pediatric Drug Dosing

• Weight-Based Dosing: Many pediatric medications are prescribed based on the child's body weight, typically in mg/kg.
• Body Surface Area (BSA) Method: This approach is used for medications with narrow therapeutic ranges, calculated using the Mosteller formula.
• Age-Specific Considerations: Neonates and infants may have altered drug metabolism due to immature liver enzymes and renal function.
• Clinical Guidelines and Adjustments: Pediatric dosing must align with established clinical guidelines to ensure safety.

Common Pediatric Dosage Calculation Methods

Healthcare providers use standard formulas to determine accurate dosing, such as:

• Clark's Rule: Uses the child's weight in pounds relative to an adult dose.
• Young's Rule: Adjusts dosage based on the child's age.
• Fried's Rule: Applied for infants under one year.

Accurate calculations prevent under-dosing (ineffective treatment) or overdosing (toxicity risks), ensuring therapeutic efficacy.