The challenges in paediatric medicines
Children should not be treated as small adults. This is due to various factors including their growth and maturation, as well as the development of their organs, such as the liver which processes medicines. Children’s needs change as they develop (within the 0 – 18 year age range) and a medicine (formulation) should suit their specific needs at each developmental stage of their life.
Children have a low tolerance for unpleasant tastes, such that they may refuse to take certain medicines. Another important concern is ensuring that excipients (the other components that make up the medicine) are suitable for children. For example, some oral formulations contain ethanol or propylene glycol which can be toxic, particularly to premature babies.
Medicines need to be palatable and contain minimal excipients which are suitable in children. However, several other important factors should be considered; for example, the medication should be stable at room temperature, avoiding the need for refrigeration. It should also allow for flexible dosing and small dose increments (where appropriate).
Ivanovska, V., et al. (2014). Pediatric drug formulations: a review of challenges and progress. Pediatrics, 134(2), 361–372. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-3225

INT-NON-24-0005 Date Updated: January 2024