04b_03_07 Opioids In Paediatrics

Opioids In Paediatrics
Session Overview
Description
This session looks at practical opioid pharmacology applied to the clinical use of different agents for neonates, infants and small children.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe and compare the pharmacology properties of different opioids
• Apply the age-related differences in pharmacokinetics to opioids
• Apply the age-related differences in pharmacodynamics to opioids
• Use rational dosing regimens in early life and recognize how these change with underlying medical conditions

Opioids have different pharmacological properties such as lipid solubility, efficacy and elimination routes. These have major effects on their speed of onset, potency and duration of action. Opioids also differ in their intrinsic action in terms of sedative effects and side effects, such as vomiting.

Neonates, infants and children develop in terms of the way in which they absorb, distribute and eliminate drugs (pharmacokinetics).

They also develop in terms of the drug's effects such as efficacy of pain relief, ventilatory depression etc. (pharmacodynamics).

Understanding neonates, infants and children allows rational drug prescribing both in and out of the operating theatre and helps to avoid the potentially serious complications associated with opioids.

This session will examine the above areas and combine this knowledge to allow an educated selection of opioids in different clinical situations.