Are there special dosing considerations for neonates and infants?
Yes. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics among neonates, preterm infants, and full term infants require special attention until 6 to 12 months of age. In general, analgesics are recommended for a shorter course of therapy. Dosing interval (time between doses) may be shorter or longer depending on how the drug is metabolized. Opioids should be dosed at one-fourth to one-third of the recommended weight-based starting dose for children. Subsequent doses must be titrated based on further evaluation of efficacy and monitoring for adverse effects.
