Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the authors. No official support or endorsements by the US FDA are provided or should be inferred. No commercial interest or other conflict of interest exists between the authors and the pharmaceutical companies.
1529-8019/asset/dth_left.gif?v=1&s=972b1cb97b67110be7d9a51ca14daf2c20794e4e)
1529-8019/asset/dth_centre.gif?v=1&s=6789bdcb209d540c8175b6e86095d82436f44433)
Drug therapy in pediatrics: a developing field
Article first published online: 6 MAY 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01239.x
© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Mathis, L. and Rodriguez, W. (2009), Drug therapy in pediatrics: a developing field. Dermatologic Therapy, 22: 257–261. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01239.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 MAY 2009
- Article first published online: 6 MAY 2009
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- dermatologic;
- pediatrics;
- therapeutics
ABSTRACT
For many years, drug therapies were not explicitly studied in the pediatric population. The lack of data forced clinicians to treat children using empiric therapy, often guessing at the treatment dose. In addition to the lack of dosing information, there was no evidence that a product would be safe and efficacious in this unique population. Because dermatologic conditions are common in children, this lack of information affected dermatologists. In 1998, a new legislation passed that encouraged drug development in pediatrics. Additional legislation followed that allowed the Food and Drug Administration the authority to require studies in pediatrics when it was anticipated that a product would be used in the pediatric population. With the new legislation and a better understanding of differences in the dose effectiveness and safety profiles of drugs in children when compared with adults, evidence-based treatment of pediatric patients is now possible.