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Abstract:  Treating children can be a real challenge for physicians and pharmacists. Most drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are not indicated for pediatric use, and physicians must prescribe them “off label.” Drug manufacturers do not produce strengths and dosage forms appropriate for children of drugs that are not indicated for this patient population. Fortunately, most children are relatively healthy and rarely require medication, but what happens when a child has to be admitted to the hospital for a medical problem? How can the child receive proper medical attention with such limited pharmaceutical resources? Working as a compounding pharmacist in a pediatric hospital is truly a unique compounding opportunity. Because many hospitalized children require individualized doses or dosage forms, new treatments and dosage forms are continually developed and studied. As a trained “problem-solver,” the compounding pharmacist is instrumental in assisting the medical staff with developing these new treatments and compounded formulations to treat these patients.

Related Keywords: Linda F. McElhiney, PharmD, RPh, children, hospital pharmacy, formulations, dosage forms, anesthesia, sedation, pain relief, analgesia, diuretics, hypertension, high blood pressure, infection, antibiotics, adrenal disorders, corticosteroids, glucocortocoids, steroids, antiviral agents, immunosuppressant agents, cancer, chemotherapy, diaper rash, decubitus ulcers, bedsores, proton pump inhibitors, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal disorders, GERD, compounding

Related Categories: FORMULATIONS, PEDIATRICS, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS, HOSPITAL PHARMACY, INFORMATION RESOURCES

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