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 extemporaneo usly, while using appropriate excipients. However, it is critical to determ ine the stability of various drugs at clinically important concentrations a nd 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, becaus e it is unlikely that all drugs approved for adults will also be labeled si multaneously for potential use in infants and children. Presentations and p ublications on stable drug formulations will offer the opportunities for pe diatric patients to receive the desired drugs and doses most effectively an d safely.