Pharmacology of the neonate

Abstract

Drugs need not necessarily be administered directly to the neonate, but may reach the newborn infant as a result of drug administration to the mother during gestation, at parturition, or during the course of lactation. The processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs in the neonate are discussed. Differences between the neonate and the adult in this regard are outlined. The pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of specific drugs to which the neonate may be exposed are discussed.