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Pediatric Medications: A Case Study

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For children under 6 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that behavioral therapy is recommended before moving forward to medication. This involves participation of the parents and can also include teachers. One precaution for pediatric medications in treating ADHD is that prolonged administration of stimulants was reported to interfere with growth patterns after using medication (Woodrow 375). An additional note by the CDC on their website regarding children under the age of 6 taking medications is that “young children have more side effects from ADHD medications than older children”. If the parents have older children and decide to use medication, they should understand the different types of drugs associated with …show more content…
Adderall can be taken by mouth one to three times daily, 4-6 hours apart, while the Adderall XR is meant to be taken just once in the morning. Another stimulant medication is lisdexamfetamine, with a common brand name called Vyvanse. This is an extended release prodrug, taken once in the morning. It is metabolically converted in the gastrointestinal tract to become dextroamphetamine (Woodrow 374). Methylphenidate products commonly used include Ritalin, which also comes in an extended release capsule, and Daytrana, which is given as a transdermal skin patch, usually worn for about 9 hours. Deciding on whether an extended release drug would be the best choice over a shorter-lasting drug should depend on what the child needs to accomplish while taking this medication. If the child needs it only for school hours to focus, shorter-lasting drugs may benefit that situation. However, someone who may be older with more homework and longer study hours would most likely benefit from an extended release …show more content…
Parents are reluctant to give their children medication daily that would make them think “life’s problems were solved with something out of a bottle” (WebMD.com). However, studies have found that ADHD treatments using stimulant drugs does not affect an individual’s risk for future substance abuse. This is why it is important to inform parents of the facts regarding children taking medication. With proper use of medication used to treat ADHD in children, and with the help of the parent and cooperation of the child, these options will help the child cope with this disorder with minimal risk of

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