Neonatal Clinical Pharmacology: Principles, Dosing, and Safe Drug Use in the Newborn

Paediatrics and medicine Neonatal clinical pharmacology holds a special place in pharmacology. The newborns are not mere smaller versions of older children and they represent a unique population with fast-changing physiology, incomplete organ functioning and increased susceptibility to illness and drug-related damages. However, neonatal care is mainly focused on pharmacological treatment that is usually done in complicated clinical setting like the neonatal intensive care unit.
The book was also written as a response to the fact that there is still a need to have a dedicated, practical, and clinically oriented book that is focused on the clinical pharmacology in neonatal units. Although pharmacology is discussed in most general textbooks in neonatology, clinicians often need a source which encompasses developmental concepts with practical prescribing choices. This book is meant to fill that gap.
In the text, basic concepts of developmental pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are discussed followed by applicable topics in drugs dosing, administration route, drugs classes used, therapeutic drug monitoring, and medication safety. Recognition is made of special clinical situations that may have a great influence on the handling and response to drugs e.g. therapeutic hypothermia and critical illness.
Throughout the book, the focus is made on the rational prescribing, the individualised therapy and the prevention of avoidable harm. Where evidence is sparse, it is explicitly recognized and advice is presented in terms of the existing best practice. The book is also aimed to serve as a source of learning and bedside decision-making when it comes to neonatologists, paediatricians, trainees in neonatology, postgraduate students, and allied healthcare professionals.
Hopefully, it will help to make better use of medicines in newborn infants and foster further development of neonatal pharmacological research and practice.