More kids are using more meds
- Pediatric use is increasing along with a general increase in medication use.
- More medications are available to treat conditions like ADHD, depression, and asthma.
- The prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma is increasing.
Most medications aren’t labeled for pediatric use
- Historically, children were excluded from clinical trials in order to protect them from the risks of taking experimental drugs.
- As a result, we don’t have data about efficacy and safety of many drugs in children.
Why can’t we use information from adults to predict efficacy and safety of medications in children?
- Kids aren’t just little adults!
- Among the many differences – children’s organ systems, enzymes and metabolism develop throughout childhood and adolescence, affecting drug efficacy and safety.
Video: Pediatric Medicines — Prescribing Drugs “Off-Label”
An Overview About Pediatric Drug Labeling – From Sciencemag
The National Academies Press, Addressing the Barriers to Pediatric Drug Development: Workshop Summary.
Journals Addressing Pediatric Medication Use
Pediatric Drugs
Much needed, a journal devoted to Pediatric Drugs.
Clinical Therapeutics has a regular section on Pediatric issues.
