December 15, 2022

Pregnancy and lactation can be challenging. Concerns of effects to the unborn fetus must be considered. Will treating the mother harm the unborn fetus or nursing infant?

The Medication Paper Final Draft

This week, you will submit a paper on a specific medication that has recently been approved for use (within the last two years) and is widely prescribed within the United States.

The medication should have been chosen by you during week 2 and approved by your instructor by week 3.

Your paper must be a minimum of seven pages, not including your title or reference pages. You should include at least five recent references (published within the last five years), and the paper must be presented in APA format (see rough draft requirements in week 6).

The paper must include the following content information:

Manufacturing company

Brand name

Indication

First in class, or not first in class

Common side effects profile

Known contradictions

Make sure you explain the special considerations that your chosen drug has on the unique populations/client groups listed below. Special considerations should include absorption, clearance/elimination, distribution, metabolism half-life, loading dose, route of drug administration, and steady state.

Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients are not little adults. There are special pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics variations in this patient group. Their reaction to medication can be very unpredictable. Accurate dosing is the key due to their limited body mass.

Geriatric Patients

Geriatric patients have altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics responses to medication. The process of aging and disease will change how the body responds to drug therapy. Memory limitations and increased sensitivity to drug therapy may cause unique problems with this population.

Patients With Renal Dysfunction

Many medications are excreted through the renal glands or metabolized and excreted renally. Dosage adjustment is the key in this population. Many agents may cause nephrotoxicity.

Patients With Liver Dysfunction

Liver disease produces alterations in the physiology of the drugs’ pharmacokinetics in the body. Special attention should be given to all drugs used in this client population

Obese Patients

Obese patients have alterations in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to medication. Many comorbidities and altered nutritional status can be seen as responses to taking these medications. Accurate dosing is paramount.