Pharmacokinetic considerations in neonatal drug therapy.

The application of pharmacokinetics has contributed to improved drug treatment regimens for the neonatal population. Significant advances in neonatal drug therapy occurred once it became possible to measure serum concentrations for medications with a narrow therapeutic range or low margin of safety. The nurse who understands the neonate's pharmacokinetic profile will not only be aware of the therapeutic effects and signs of toxicity of a given drug; she will also be able to actively plan the preferred route of administration with the physician and pharmacist and accurately time medication administration and scheduled blood sampling.