Developmental aspects of midazolam metabolism

textabstractFrom fetal life through adolescence, dramatic changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics occur as a consequence of organ maturation and changes in body composition associated with normal development. Accordingly, effective and safe drug therapy in preterm infants, neonates, infants,children and adolescents requires a thorough understanding of human developmental biology and the ontogeny of the processes that govern absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and action of drugs. Physicians must be aware of these interindividual differences, when prescribing drugs. The research presented by this thesis provides an example of an integrated approach to critically examine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of midazolam, a benzodiazepine that is finding expanded use in neonatal intensive care units.