Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

Children, like adults, deal with variety of health issues, but they also have issues that are more prevalent within their population. One issue that significantly impacts children is the prescription of drugs for off-label use. As an advanced practice nurse, how do you determine the appropriate use of off-label drugs in pediatrics? Are there certain drugs that should be avoided with pediatric patients? This week, you examine the practice of prescribing off-label drugs to children. You also explore strategies for making off-label drug use safer for children from infancy to adolescence, as it is essential that you are prepared to make drug-related decisions for pediatric patients in clinical settings. Assignment: Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics The unapproved use of approved drugs, also called off-label use, with children is quite common. Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics 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. 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.

1. Circumstances for using off-label drugs on children

The use of off-label drugs in children is widespread. Off-label, in this case, does not mean that its use is illegal, improper, investigational, or contraindicated. Although the practice of giving children off-label drugs is discouraged, there are some exemptions.

1. Treating asthma symptoms

Albuterol is an off-label drug that has commonly been used to treat asthma in children. The drug is recommended for use in paediatrics over the age of 2 years. However, Albuterol is commonly used in toddlers and infants, too (Iannelli, 2020).

Inhalers like Advair and Dulera are recommended for children over the age of four years. Still, it is used in younger children as well. When it comes to asthma medications, no other medications exist. At the same time, the drugs have been used for a long time and have been proved effective and safe (Iannelli, 2020). Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

1. Treating mental health problems and depression

When it comes to mental illness, there are only specific drugs that can be used. Today, many children experience mental health problems. Some of the common off-label drugs that are used include;

• Luvox (fluvoxamine) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (8-17 years)
• Zoloft (sertraline) for OCD (6-17 years)
• Lexapro (escitalopram) for depression (12 years and above)
• Lithium for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (12 years and above)
• Risperdal (risperidone) for autism (5 years and above)
• Orap (pimozide) for children with Tourette’s disorder (12 years and above)
• Abilify (aripiprazole) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Zyprexa (olanzapine) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Seroquel (quetiapine) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

These drugs have been used for so long in treating mental illnesses for so long that they can easily be prescribed to children without a problem (Iannelli, 2020).

1. Strategies to make them safer

Although the above off-label drugs can be used on children, it is vital to take precautions. Before prescribing such drugs, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that one needs to check the existing evidence concerning the drug and apply the best judgment. As they are prescribed, the prescriber needs to use their expertise and if possible, consult with their colleagues (Boston Children’s Hospital, 2020).

Many sources can be used to ascertain the safety of administering an off-label drug to a child. One could use consensus sta