Drug therapy in the neonate

Abstract

Drug use in the neonatal population can be a minefield of uncertainty. Infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be administered at least one unregistered or off-label drug as part of their treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters in the neonate differ from the adult parameters, and drug therapy should be steered and monitored according to these guidelines. An overview of these parameters is discussed, and drugs that are frequently used in neonatology are listed and discussed. Many other drugs are used in the NICU for more specialised conditions. A multidisciplinary approach in the NICU should be followed, with all the key players involved.