Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Pediatric Drug Delivery and Dosage Forms

A different or modified drug delivery system is required by the pediatric patients compared to other subsets of the population due to their continuing development hence dosing and administration requirements. Conventional formulations are not designed for pediatric patients. Hence it becomes necessity to manipulate and compound the medication accordingly and this has become common practice. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of a drug varies broadly depending on the factors like developmental stage of a child, necessitating dose flexibility to suit the dosing requirements etc. Excipients which are commonly regarded as safe may pose a safety risk for child group in addition to other considerations of the formulation and development of the dosage form a drug. Palatability and ease of swallowing are also considered as pivotal parametrs for the acceptability of medicines intended for children, who due to their age possess distinct preferences and swallowing abilities than other subsets of the population. New formulation design approaches like multiparticulate drug delivery system.