Pediatrics

What is Pediatrics?

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that people be under pediatric care up to the age of 21. Pediatricians handle a wide range of health issues, from minor health problems to serious diseases.  Pediatrics is crucial because children are not simply “small adults.” They have unique physiological differences, and their bodies are growing and changing, which affects how they metabolize medications, their vulnerability to certain illnesses, and their physical and psychological development. Pediatric care is tailored to the needs of children and emphasizes preventive health as well as the management of chronic and acute diseases.

Why do you need a Compounding Pharmacy for Pediatrics?

Compounding pharmacies provide valuable services to the field of pediatrics, addressing challenges and specific needs that cannot always be met by standard pharmaceutical products. Here are several ways in which compounding pharmacies assist in pediatric care:

CUSTOMIZED DOSAGES

Children vary significantly in body size and maturity, even among those of the same age. Compounding pharmacies can create medications in doses tailored to a child’s specific weight and developmental stage, which are not always available in standard drug formulations.

IMPROVING ADHERENCE

One of the biggest challenges in pediatric medication is resistance from children who dislike the taste or texture of medicines. Compounded medications can be flavored to make them more appealing to children, thus improving adherence to treatment regimens.

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY FORMULATIONS

Children, like adults, may be allergic to certain dyes, preservatives, or gluten used in conventional medications. Compounding pharmacies can prepare prescriptions without these allergens, making medications safer and more comfortable for children with allergies.

ALTERNATIVE DOSAGE FORMS

Not all children can swallow pills, and some may require medications through different routes. Compounding pharmacies can prepare medicines in forms like gels, liquids, effervescent tablets, or transdermal patches that are easier for children to take.

COMBINATION MEDICATIONS

To simplify medication regimens, especially for children who need multiple prescriptions, compounding pharmacists can combine compatible drugs into a single dosage form. This can reduce the overall volume of medication a child needs to take and simplify administration for caregivers.

UNAVAILABLE OR DISCONTINUED MEDICATIONS

When medications are discontinued or temporarily unavailable due to supply issues, compounding pharmacies can create a similar formulation, ensuring that patients have continuous access to necessary medications.

In pediatric care, where standard treatments might not always be suitable due to the unique needs of children, compounding pharmacies like VPharmacy provide critical solutions. They ensure that children’s medications are effective, safe, and more likely to be taken as prescribed, thus supporting optimal health outcomes. This tailored approach is particularly beneficial in pediatrics, where customization can significantly impact treatment success and improve the overall healthcare experience for young patients and their families.

At VPharmacy, we’re all about patient care
We build trusted relationships with our patients to deliver tailored compounded medications