Prescribing for children

In this article in the series of ‘bite sized’ pharmacology, we will look at the pharmacological considerations when prescribing for children. This article will illustrate the common issues to consider when prescribing for the under 18 (or more often than not the under 12) population. The primary focus will be on pharmacokinetics and the four processes that occur after oral drug administration, with specific details on the factors that affect these processes in this patient group. There will also be some consideration of legal aspects and consent to treatment including concordance and a brief area on licensing. Exercises provided will help you apply this knowledge to your prescribing practice