The biggest myth that most people have regarding healthcare is that children can also share the same medicines as adults, but in a smaller dosage. This might be sensible, but the truth is different. Their bodies grow and develop, and react to medicines in various ways.
Understanding the reason why children require various medicines can help parents make safer choices and avoid the misuse of drugs, which can harm young patients. These are detailed reasons as to why the practice of pediatric medicine should be approached differently.
1. Children’s Bodies Process Medicines Differently
As an adult, one can anticipate these processes, but in children, they are quite different. These are the organs that help eliminate and digest medicines in the body. This is because, since they have not yet reached the stage of forming regular bodies, it takes them longer to clear the medications. So when given an ordinary adult drug in a low dosage, it will build up in the body, causing toxicity.
A drug that is safe for a 10-year-old may not be safe for a baby. Such variability is one of the primary reasons why pediatric formulations have to be customized with caution.
2. Children’s Brains and Nervous Systems Are Still Developing
In adults, the brain is fully developed, whereas in children, neurons and neural pathways are just developing. This is because a drug that makes an adult feel a little sleepy will interfere with the sleeping pattern, brain development, or behavior in a child.
For example, there are cough syrups or antibiotics that may cause kids to become hyperactive, irritable, or experience attention problems when they should calm down. This reactionary variation highlights the importance of using pediatrically approved medicines instead of the general over-the-counter adult products.
3. Kids Have Different Immune Responses
The immune system of a child continues to develop throughout childhood. For this reason, drugs that stimulate or suppress the immune system should be taken with great caution.
For instance:
- Some antibiotics are harmless to adults but may harm the growing bones or teeth of children.
- Some antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs have different effects on the children and may need to be adjusted regarding their components or the strength.
- Children do not respond to infections in the same manner as adults, so they require drugs that have undergone an evaluation of their immune response in children.
4. Dosage Adjustments Are Not Just About Body Weight
Parents often assume that children need only an adult dose divided by weight. Pediatric dosing, however, is based on several factors:
- Age
- Body surface area
- Rate of metabolism
- Physical developmental stage
5. Children Need Kid-Friendly Formulations
The majority of young children are not able to swallow adult pills or capsules. Pediatric drugs are easier to ingest:
- Syrups
- Oral drops
- Dissolvable tablets
- Chewables
- Powders
6. Side Effects Are Different in Children
Since children are still in the developmental stage, any temporary disturbance can have a significant impact on development.
For example:
- Medications for pain taken in sufficient amounts by adults damage organs in children.
- There are allergy medicines that can affect a child’s learning or mood.
- Some medicines may interfere with growth, puberty, or bone formation.
This is why the drugs used in pediatrics are subjected to special tests to assess the side effects that are specific to children.
7. Safety Guidelines Are Stricter for Children
The standards of safety with pediatric medicines are dealt with more stringently as children are more susceptible. Before any drug is approved by regulatory authorities to be used by children, proper studies are required. This not only makes the medicine effective but also ensures its long-term safety for growth and development.
The parents must not administer any medication, especially home remedies or adult OTC drugs, without checking to ascertain whether they are approved or not.
The body of a child is special and fragile, constantly evolving and changing. Due to their varied reactions, dissimilarity, and specific dosing requirements, pediatric drugs are uniquely designed to suit their requirements without harm. When parents are aware of this, they can make informed choices, prevent unintentional injuries, and ensure that their children have access to good medical care.
Before administering any drug to a child, it is always prudent to be guided by a pediatrician in case there is uncertainty.