How is the Dosage Determined for Pediatric Patients?
Determining the correct dosage for pediatric patients involves several considerations:
1. Body Weight and Surface Area: Doses are often calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (mg/m²). 2. Age and Developmental Stage: Age-appropriate dosing is critical since metabolic rates and organ functions vary at different stages of development. 3. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Understanding how a child's body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes a drug is essential to determine the appropriate dosage.