Prescribing Medicines for Children

Prescribing for children is a particularly challenging discipline due to specific issues of drug absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion. The aim of this book is to improve understanding in all aspects of paediatric prescribing, from the development of suitable drugs through to their practical administration. With its origins in the EU-funded Global Research in Paediatrics (GRiP) project this is the first truly international textbook to provide guidance on the principles behind optimal neonatal and paediatric prescribing. Harnessing the international expertise of paediatricians and pharmacists in the field, Prescribing Medicines for Children compliments the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC), facilitating translation of essential pharmacological principles into good prescribing practice. It incorporates specific information on how to promote safe and effective prescribing in paediatrics, including how to avoid medication errors and adverse drug reactions in children. Highlights include the differences in prescribing habits between countries and the shared principles that underpin rational prescribing in paediatrics and neonatology. The book is divided into two sections: Section A provides concise educational material relating to paediatric pharmacology and optimising how medicines are developed and prescribed for children. Section B considers key clinical prescribing areas and can be used as a quick reference guide. Each chapter is focused on the key issues in prescribing for a respective clinical specialty or context. Prescribing Medicines for Children is essential reading for all those who are involved in prescribing medicines to neonates and children. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacists, nurses, paediatricians and primary care physicians, academic scientists, and those working in the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulation.