Age is a critical determinant of drug distribution in pediatrics:
- Neonates: They require special consideration due to their unique physiological characteristics, such as higher extracellular water content and immature organ systems. - Infants and Toddlers: As children grow, their body composition changes, and organ systems mature, leading to alterations in drug distribution patterns. - Older Children and Adolescents: Their pharmacokinetics begin to resemble those of adults, but puberty may introduce additional variables that affect drug distribution.
