Lack of pediatric drug formulations.

Many drugs frequently used in infants and young children are not available in suitable dosage forms. Liquid dosage forms must be prepared extemporaneously, while using appropriate excipients. However, it is critical to determine the stability of various drugs at clinically important concentrations and practical storage conditions. It is of concern that few funding agencies are willing to support research on the development of stable liquid dosage forms for pediatric patients. The need for such data will continue, because it is unlikely that all drugs approved for adults will also be labeled simultaneously for potential use in infants and children. Presentations and publications on stable drug formulations will offer the opportunities for pediatric patients to receive the desired drugs and doses most effectively and safely.