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Professional Conduct
& Attitude
Skills
Knowledge
Health Supervision
Growth
Development
Behavior
Nutrition
Prevention of Illness
Issues Unique to Adolescence
Issues Unique to Newborns
Medical Genetics
Common Illnesses & Problems
Common Chronic Illnesses/Disabilities
Therapeutics
Fluid & Electrolyte Management
Poisoning
Pediatric Emergencies
Child Abuse
Child Advocacy
Clinical Cases
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Medical Student Curriculum Guide
Knowledge—Therapeutics
Rationale
Informed use of medications and therapeutic agents is essential, especially in
pediatrics. Appropriate and successful treatment requires choice of the correct
medication, the appropriate dose, and both a dosage form and a dosing regimen
that will maximize compliance. The pharmacokinetics (absorption, metabolism,
distribution and elimination) of medications changes under the influence of
growth and physiologic maturation. In addition, both the therapeutic and the
adverse effects of medications vary as the child grows and matures. Child
behavior and psychomotor development influence the form of medication dispensed
and the expectation for compliance.
Learning Objectives
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Describe the ways that physical and physiologic growth change the
pharmacokinetics of commonly used medications in pediatrics. Specifically
address drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination.
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Recognize drugs that are contraindicated or must be used with extreme
caution in specific pediatric populations.
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Summarize the factors that affect drug excretion into breast
milk.
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Be cognizant of the importance of patient education in ensuring compliance
with prescribed treatment regimens.
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Understand the appropriate use of the following common medications in the
outpatient setting, including when it is NOT appropriate to treat with a
medication:
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analgesics / antipyretics
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antibiotics
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bronchodilators
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corticosteroids
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cough and cold preparations
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ophthalmic preparations
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otic preparationsvitamin / mineral supplements
Competencies
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Demonstrate the ability to write a prescription.
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Explain how a drug dose is calculated for infants and prepubertal
children.
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List the most common generic types of medications used for management of
the following uncomplicated conditions:
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