Why are infants and babies at higher risk of adverse drug reactions?

Infants and babies are at higher risk of adverse drug reactions primarily due to the lack of safety and efficacy studies in pediatric populations. Many medications have not been thoroughly tested in infants and children, leading to uncertainties about proper dosing, potential side effects, and overall safety profiles. Since drug responses can significantly differ across age groups, the absence of data specifically focused on younger patients can result in increased susceptibility to adverse effects. Additionally, even if a drug is deemed safe for adults, the physiological differences in children, particularly infants, can lead to unexpected reactions when the drug is administered without adequate pediatric-specific research behind it. Thus, without extensive evidence supporting the safe use of medications in this vulnerable population, the risk of adverse drug reactions remains high.