What Role Does Pharmacokinetics Play in Pediatric Dosing?
Pharmacokinetics involves how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. In children, these processes can vary widely: - Absorption: Gastric pH, gastric emptying time, and enzyme activity can affect drug absorption. - Distribution: Body water and fat composition change with age, affecting how drugs distribute in the body. - Metabolism: Liver enzyme activity increases with age. - Excretion: Kidney function matures over time, influencing drug clearance.