How does drug metabolism in infants compare to adults?

In infants, drug metabolism is typically slower compared to adults. This is primarily due to the immaturity of their liver enzyme systems, which are responsible for the biotransformation of drugs. The metabolic pathways that adults rely on for drug processing are not fully developed in infants, meaning that drugs can remain active in their systems for longer periods, potentially leading to increased sensitivity to medications and a higher risk of adverse effects.

In contrast, adults have mature hepatic functions and more established enzymatic activity to effectively metabolize and eliminate drugs from the body. Additionally, factors such as body composition, renal function, and the ontogeny of enzyme systems all influence drug metabolism in individuals of different ages. Therefore, this foundational understanding highlights the critical importance of adjusting medication dosages and monitoring drug therapy carefully in pediatric populations, especially infants, to ensure safety and efficacy.