ABSTRACT
Nutrients essential for fetal growth and development require an active transport system to be moved from the maternal circulation to the fetal circulation against a concentration gradient. Within the field of pediatric pharmacology, it is generally accepted that there are a number of unique developmental stages which must be considered with respect to drug effect and toxicity. This chapter provides a general background on the influence of drugs on the developing infant. The basic principles of pediatric drug therapy and toxicity were initially founded on the premise that the infant was simply a small adult. Exposure to drugs such as antimetabolites, ergot alkaloids, or diethylstilbestrol at this stage can result in termination of pregnancy. During infancy and childhood, the body weight and composition are continuously changing such that the pharmacodynamic aspects of drug therapy are not predictable. Drug utilization and consequent toxicity have also increased among the nonhospitalized pediatric population.
