Explain the circumstances under which children should be prescribed drugs for off-label use.

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.
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.
Write a 2-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.

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