From the Research
Ethamsylate should be dosed at 12.5 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours for pediatric patients, as this dosage has been shown to be effective in reducing capillary bleeding in children, particularly in conditions like periventricular hemorrhage in premature infants 1. The medication is used to improve platelet adhesion and restore capillary resistance, thereby reducing bleeding time. Key points to consider when administering ethamsylate to pediatric patients include:
- Dosage: 12.5 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours
- Administration route: intravenously or orally, depending on the clinical situation
- Treatment duration: typically ranges from 3-10 days, depending on the condition being treated
- Side effects: generally mild, may include nausea, headache, or rash
- Monitoring: important to monitor for allergic reactions and adjust dosing in patients with renal impairment
- Mechanism of action: ethamsylate promotes P-selectin-dependent, platelet adhesive mechanisms, and enhances membrane expression of P-selectin in human platelets 2, 3. It is essential to note that the evidence supporting the use of ethamsylate in pediatric patients is based on studies with varying levels of quality and recency, but the most relevant study 1 provides a clear guideline for dosing and administration.