OFF-LABEL DRUG USE IN PEDIATRICS

 

OFF-LABEL DRUG USE IN PEDIATRICS

(https://cdn-media.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/Canvas/Getty/1920×938/GettyLicense 587952472.jpg)

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.

 

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES (httpslwaldenuinstructure.com/courses/79007/modules/items/2443995)

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.

 

BY DAY 5 OF WEEK 11

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.

Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center offers an example of those required elements (available at
http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm ff-)(http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm) ). All papers submitted must use this formatting.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

 

1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK11Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.