What type of drugs are pediatric patients more sensitive to?

Pediatric patients are more sensitive to CNS depressants due to several physiological factors that affect drug metabolism and effects in children compared to adults.

As children develop, their central nervous systems are still maturing, which can influence how they respond to medications that depress brain activity. CNS depressants include drugs like sedatives, anesthetics, and certain analgesics, and can lead to heightened effects such as sedation or respiratory depression in pediatric patients. Additionally, the dosing and pharmacokinetics of these drugs vary significantly with age, weight, and stage of development, making it crucial to monitor their effects closely in young patients.

In contrast, while children do respond to CNS stimulants, analgesics, and antipyretics, their sensitivity to CNS depressants poses a higher risk for adverse effects, making careful dosing and monitoring essential in this population.