When administering medications to infants, what is an important factor to remember about their metabolism?

When administering medications to infants, an important factor to remember is that infants have immature liver function, which significantly affects drug metabolism. The liver is critical for the biotransformation of many medications, and in infants, its enzymatic pathways are not fully developed. This immaturity can lead to slower metabolism of drugs, resulting in prolonged drug effects and the potential for increased toxicity.

Understanding this aspect of infant physiology is crucial for healthcare providers, as it necessitates careful dosage adjustments and monitoring to avoid adverse effects. Infants may require lower doses or less frequent administration than older children or adults to achieve the desired therapeutic effect safely. Recognizing the differences in drug metabolism based on age is vital for ensuring safe clinical practices when treating pediatric patients.