Editing Pediatrics (section)

=== Absorption ===
Many drug absorption differences between pediatric and adult populations revolve around the stomach. Neonates and young infants have increased stomach [[pH]] due to decreased [[Gastric acid|acid]] secretion, thereby creating a more basic environment for drugs that are taken by mouth.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Wagner |first1=Jonathan |last2=Abdel-Rahman |first2=Susan M. |date=2013 |title=Pediatric pharmacokinetics |journal=Pediatrics in Review |volume=34 |issue=6 |pages=258–269 |doi=10.1542/pir.34-6-258 |issn=1526-3347 |pmid=23729775}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Acid is essential to degrading certain oral drugs before systemic absorption. Therefore, the absorption of these drugs in children is greater than in adults due to decreased breakdown and increased preservation in a less acidic [[gastric]] space.<ref name=":1" />

Children also have an extended rate of gastric emptying, which slows the rate of drug absorption.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

Drug absorption also depends on specific [[enzyme]]s that come in contact with the oral drug as it travels through the body. Supply of these enzymes increase as children continue to develop their gastrointestinal tract.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Pediatric patients have underdeveloped [[protein]]s, which leads to decreased metabolism and increased serum concentrations of specific drugs. However, [[prodrug]]s experience the opposite effect because enzymes are necessary for allowing their active form to enter systemic circulation.<ref name=":1" />