Drug Dosing Issues and Resources

Pediatric dose calculations represent a particular challenge to some healthcare professionals. A drug reference book can help, but there are additional considerations which are not part of the text. Considerations such as the maturation of the child and nutritional status are not easily factored. In addition, drug interactions may play a role in the adjustment of dose. When using a pediatric dosage calculator, it is important that the medicine list be reviewed, as a calculator typically focuses on only a single medication. Augmenting the decision-making process with drug interaction software can help assess these influences on dosing. Both processes are essential in arriving at an appropriate therapeutic dosage.