Table 2 Effects of developmental factors on the pharmacokinetics and the efficacy of psychotropic drugs
Developmental factor | Pharmacokinetic effects | Clinical effects |
|---|---|---|
Liver size and activity of CYP450 enzymes ↑ | Increased drug metabolism | Insufficient drug efficacy |
Percentage of body fat ↓ | Reduced storage of lipophilic drugs | |
Glomerular filtration rate ↑ | Faster urinary excretion | |
Protein binding ↓ | Increased drug availability | Increased risk of side effects |
Gastro-intestinal resorption ↑ | Increased drug availability both in peripheral organs and the brain |