Considerations for Geriatric and Pediatric Patients

The pharmacy technician must understand the different types of patients they have who need medications. Patient types of particular concern include geriatrics and pediatrics. Unlike the typical adult, there are special factors that can interfere with prescribing and administering medications to those who are older and the very young.

This resource will look at all these factors as they relate to the pharmacy technician.

After completing this resource, learners will be able to:

• Explain the considerations involved in flavoring a compounded prescription
• Describe the differences between neonatal and pediatric patients
• Explain how the processes of pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients affect drug dosing
• Explain pediatric drug administration and dosage adjustment considerations
• Describe the physiological changes that occur in geriatric patients
• List several factors that affect pharmacokinetic processes in geriatric patients
• Describe polypharmacy and noncompliance in geriatric medication therapy
• Explain Medicare Part D and its effects on medication dispensing to the geriatric population
• Explain ways in which geriatric medication dispensing will change in the future, and how extended life expectancy will change pharmacy practice