What is the age limitation for METOCLOPROMIDE administration in pediatric patients?

• A. The pediatric patient has to be 8 years old or older
• B. The pediatric patient has to be 2 years old
• C. The pediatric patient has to be 5 years old
• D. The pediatric patient has to be 12 years old

Answer: (A)

Age-based safety for metoclopramide in pediatric patients is being tested. Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal effects and other CNS adverse reactions in children, and the protocol uses a minimum age to minimize these risks. Therefore, the minimum age to administer it is 8 years old. A child who is 8 or older qualifies (including a 12-year-old), while younger children (such as 2- or 5-year-olds) would not be eligible under this guideline. The statement that the minimum age is 12 would be too restrictive, since 12-year-olds are already covered by the 8-year threshold.