Praktické lekárnictvo 3/2013

Specifics of pharmacotherapy in neonates

The first month of life is a phase of rapid growth and development, making the understanding of pharmacokinetics in neonates a unique challenge. Extrapolating adult medicine dose to neonates is rarely possible in practice. This article outlines basic pharmacokinetic principles in newborns, its impact on pharmacotherapeutical management and some common reasons for admission of neonates to neonatal intensive care units. These specific pharmaceutical issues present great scope for pharmacists to contribute to the safe and effective treatment of neonates.

Keywords: neonate, pharmacokinetics, therapy, pharmacology, pharmacy, complication, vitamins.