Clin Pharmacokinet
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A significant increase in the knowledge base in paediatric clinical pharmacology has occurred over the past 2 decades and has largely been the result of important scientific and sociological advancements pertaining to paediatric therapeutics. Although the data on drug disposition in infants and children have increased considerably over the past few years, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interactions, particularly the effect of development on pharmacodynamics, remain poorly understood. The impact of developmental physiology on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination in infants and children is reviewed and contrasted to the determinants of clinical pharmacokinetics in neonates. ⋯ Consequently, pharmacokinetics provides a pharmacological tool for use in research and clinical care. The clinical application of this tool is examined by a review of the pertinent assumptions and limitations, as well as useful mathematical techniques for use in paediatric patients. Additionally, 'non-traditional' uses of clinical pharmacokinetics (forensic application and use to evaluate organ function) in infants and children are discussed as are considerations for research use of clinical pharmacokinetic data.