J Pediatr Infect Dis 2018; 13(02): 101-112
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606602
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pharmacology of Mycobacterial Drugs in Children

Jennifer L. Goldman
1   Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
2   Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
,
Susan M. Abdel-Rahman
1   Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 February 2017

08 March 2017

Publication Date:
05 October 2017 (online)

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Abstract

To effectively treat tuberculosis (TB), optimization of therapy guided by an understanding of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic principles represents the strategy most likely to influence favorable patient outcomes. However, challenges are often encountered during TB treatment given the concomitant administration of multiple drugs, some with poorly defined therapeutic targets, for prolonged durations. Treatment is further complicated in children as many antitubercular drugs have not been extensively studied in the pediatric population where the impact of human development on drug disposition is relevant, but poorly understood. In this review, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antitubercular drugs will be reviewed in the context of the pediatric population. Observed differences between adults and children with respect to TB therapy will be highlighted, and future considerations to enhance our understanding of TB drugs used in children will be explored.