The unapproved use of approved drugs, also called off-label use, with children is quite common. This is
because pediatric dosage guidelines are typically unavailable, since very few drugs have been specifically
researched and tested with children.
When treating children, prescribers often adjust dosages approved for adults to accommodate a child’s weight.
However, children are not just “smaller” adults. Adults and children process and respond to drugs differently in
their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Children even respond differently during stages from infancy to adolescence. This poses potential safety
concerns when prescribing drugs to pediatric patients. As an advanced practice nurse, you have to be aware of
safety implications of the off-label use of drugs with this patient group.
To Prepare
Review the interactive media piece in this week’s Resources and reflect on the types of drugs used to treat
pediatric patients with mood disorders.
Reflect on situations in which children should be prescribed drugs for off-label use.
Think about strategies to make the off-label use and dosage of drugs safer for children from infancy to
adolescence. Consider specific off-label drugs that you think require extra care and attention when used in
pediatrics.
REVIEW and MAY CITE:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557722/
DIRECTIONS:
12 font, times new roman, APA, must have 3 recourse within the past five years.
Write a 1-page narrative in APA format that addresses the following:
- Explain the circumstances under which children should be prescribed drugs for off-label use. Be specific and
provide examples. - Describe strategies to make the off-label use and dosage of drugs safer for children from infancy to
adolescence. Include descriptions and names of off-label drugs that require extra care and attention when
used in pediatrics.