Assignment: Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

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 childs 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 weeks 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.

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.