Pediatric Pharmacist Review

Rx for the Winter Blues: Shining Light on Seasonal Depression | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

In this episode of The Pediatric Pharmacist Review, we explore the phenomenon of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its relevance to children, adolescents, and families. Our guest, Tim Horton, is a seasoned psychiatric nurse‑practitioner (APRN, CNP) and founder of PeopleFirst Clinic in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he specializes in holistic, medication‑management and therapy‑integrated care for youth and adults. With his unique background in pediatric mental health, patient‑centered approaches, and collaborative provider work, Tim brings deep insight into how biological and environmental factors converge in seasonal depression—and what practical actions caregivers and clinicians can take to mitigate its impact.Key Discussion Points:Biological & Environmental Contributors: We unpack how changes in daylight exposure, circadian rhythm shifts, neurotransmitter variations (serotonin, melatonin), and geographic/seasonal factors contribute to SAD in children and teens.Lifestyle & Environmental Interventions: Tim and I discuss actionable strategies such as structured light‑exposure (dawn simulators, 10,000 lux boxes), daily outdoor activity, consistent sleep schedules, and nutritional supports (timing of meals, nutrient‑dense foods, healthy fats) to reduce symptom severity.Treatment Options & Efficacy: We review standard of care for SAD—starting with behavioral and lifestyle measures, then progressing to light therapy and pharmacologic treatment (SSRIs, SNRIs, augmentation) when needed, including considerations unique to pediatric populations.Vitamin D and Seasonal Depression: We examine the evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with increased SAD risk, discuss screening thresholds in younger patients, supplementation strategies, and how this fits into a broader preventive mindset.Preventive Measures Ahead of Winter: Tim outlines a pre‑winter readiness plan—adjusting indoor lighting, optimizing outdoor daylight exposure, establishing routine exercise, reinforcing healthy diet patterns, and monitoring early warning signs for a proactive response.Misconceptions and Under‑Recognition: We address common myths—such as SAD only occurring in extreme northern latitudes, or that “it’s just the blues” and will self‑resolve—highlighting how under‑recognition in pediatric settings can delay helpful intervention.Resources & Links:Tim Horton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-horton-248858359/PeopleFirst Clinic: https://www.peoplefirstmn.com/

KIDs List Lowdown | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

In this episode of The Pediatric Pharmacist Review, we delve into the 2025 KIDs List—the Pediatric Pharmacy Association's updated guide highlighting key potentially inappropriate medications in pediatric care. This comprehensive list serves as a critical resource for clinicians aiming to enhance medication safety and optimize pharmacotherapy in pediatric populations.Meet the Experts:Dr. Rachel S. Meyers brings a wealth of experience as a Clinical Professor at Rutgers University and a Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Her clinical insights and academic contributions have significantly influenced pediatric pharmacy practice.Dr. David Hoff serves as the Pharmacy Director for Acute Care at Children’s Minnesota and holds the position of Section Editor at JPPT. With over 30 years of experience, he has been instrumental in developing and updating the KIDs List, ensuring it reflects the latest evidence and best practices.Key Discussion Points:The evolution and significance of the KIDs List in pediatric pharmacotherapyStrategies for integrating the KIDs List into clinical practiceThe impact of inappropriate medications on pediatric patient outcomesCollaborative efforts in pediatric medication safetyFurther Reading:For a comprehensive understanding, access the full 2025 KIDs List here: 2025 KIDs List PDF

The Poison Playbook: Keeping Kids Safe | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

Guests:👩‍⚕️ Nicole McElroy, PharmD, DABAT – Pediatric Clinical Toxicologist, Holtz Children’s Hospital👩‍⚕️ Lauren Longo, PharmD, BCPPS – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Pharmacist, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia👨‍⚕️ Anthony Jaworski, PharmD, DABAT – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Pharmacist & Clinical Toxicologist, Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaWe cover the most common household poisons, surprising look-alike risks (yes, that gummy might be a vitamin), and what to do if your child gets into something dangerous. From the busiest poison control centers to the emergency department, this trio brings decades of experience—and practical advice—for families, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.What You’ll Learn:🧪 What a day in the life of a Poison Control expert looks like🚫 The top household dangers lurking in plain sight🍭 Why “look-alike” meds can trick even the most careful child🚨 What symptoms should make you stop and call Poison Control🩺 What to do immediately if you suspect a poisoning💊 How pharmacists and pediatric teams can help prevent toxic exposures🔍 Real-life cases that changed how these clinicians educate familiesKey Questions We Asked:What are the biggest challenges in managing pediatric poisonings?What types of calls come into Poison Control most often?What was a case that stuck with you—and what did you learn from it?What are the most common (and surprising) poisoning risks for kids?What should parents look out for—symptoms, behaviors, red flags?What’s the best way to store meds and household products safely?How can healthcare professionals—especially pharmacists—make an impact?📞 Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222 – Save it. Share it.🎙️ Subscribe & FollowDon't miss future episodes where we dig into pediatric pharmacogenomics, medication safety, and more with leaders in the field.

Perfecting Peds x DoseMeRx: Custom Care Conversations | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

With 20 years of experience spanning top pediatric hospitals, cutting-edge research, and digital health leadership, Sharmeen brings unmatched insight into what it takes to personalize care at scale—especially for our smallest, most complex patients.From gene-guided dosing to scaling PGx programs in hospital systems, we discuss:Why a "one-size-fits-all" model doesn’t work in pediatricsHow PGx can reduce the "trial-and-error" of ADHD, anxiety, and pain medsWhat it means to operationalize precision medicine in hospitals and clinicsHer career journey—from the bedside to boardrooms and biotechThe intersection of technology, pharmacy, and compassionate carePlus, don’t miss Sharmeen’s thoughts on:The future of pediatric PGxWhat excites her about working with organizations like CPIC, STRIPE, and PPA👶 Whether you're a parent, pediatric provider, pharmacist, or just PGx-curious—this episode brings heart, science, and strategy together.

Rx: Wild Child | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

We unpack the clinical pearls and evidence-based strategies behind:📉 Pediatric obesity management: tools that go beyond lifestyle advice💩 Constipation care plans that actually work in the real world🧬 Pediatric hepatology: when to worry, what to watch🧠 Gut-brain connection insights every pediatric provider should knowWhether you're a med student, resident, or seasoned pediatrician, this episode offers practical takeaways and thoughtful discussion around the toughest GI and liver cases in pediatrics.👶 Digestive health, simplified. Expert-reviewed. Clinically focused.

Seizure Control Through Nutrition: The Power of Keto | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

🔬 Episode Overview:While medications are often the first line of treatment, some children continue to experience seizures despite multiple drug therapies. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate approach, has been used for nearly a century to help control epilepsy—sometimes leading to significant seizure reduction or even remission.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ How the ketogenic diet works to control seizures✅ The science behind ketosis and its impact on the brain✅ Who qualifies for ketogenic therapy and when it’s recommended✅ Practical challenges of implementing the diet in children✅ The pharmacist’s role in monitoring and supporting ketogenic therapy✅ Key risks, side effects, and how to manage them🎤 Guest Experts:We’re joined by Jon Cokley PharmD BCPPS and Lauren Kronisch, MS, RDN, LDN, leading experts in pediatric neurology, ketogenic diet therapy, and clinical pharmacy, who share insights on how this diet is changing the landscape of epilepsy management.🔗 Resources & References:📄 Clinical guidelines on ketogenic diet therapy📚 Studies on keto’s effectiveness in refractory epilepsy🥑 Parent and caregiver resources for implementing the diet🎧 Tune In Now!Don’t miss this deep dive into how nutrition is playing a critical role in seizure management for children. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!📢 Join the Conversation:Have experience with ketogenic therapy? Questions for our experts? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts!

Rare & Resilient: Navigating Pediatric Rare Diseases with Rarus Med | Pediatric Pharmacist ReviewRare & Resilient: Navigating Pediatric Rare Diseases with Rarus Med | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

In this episode, we’ll explore the unique hurdles faced by children with rare conditions, the latest advancements in treatment, and the vital role of collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and families. Join us as we speak with experts Isabelle Vacher and Dana Tate from Rarus Med to shed light on how innovation and advocacy are shaping the future of rare disease care. Let’s navigate this journey together—because every child deserves hope and resilience.Isabelle VacherFounder/Nurse/Educator/Mother of Daughters with Rare Diseases"Our educational ecosystem embodies my unique perspective as a nurse, educator and mother who has navigated the complex journey of having two daughters, each with different rare disorders. I have ten years of nursing experience and over two decades of experience designing, developing and implementing healthcare provider continuing education and patient/family education.Collectively, this experience infuses RarusMed/RarusGalaxy with a deep understanding and a personal commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges, opportunities and triumphs of the rare community."Dana TateDirector of Public Health EducationLeveraging her background in public health, health education, biomedical science, omni-channel marketing, content development, and rare diseases patient advocacy, Dana leads strategic efforts to empower patients through education, resources, and support networks within the RarusGalaxy platform.

Weight Matters: Why It’s Essential on Every Pediatric Script | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

Today, we’ll be exploring a key issue: why patient weight should always be included on prescriptions for pediatric patients. We’ll be highlighting the work of Dr. Lisa and Dr. Rachel, who co-authored a pivotal paper in the Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (JPPT) titled “Patient Weight Should Be Included on All Pediatric Prescriptions”.In this paper, Lisa Lubsch, PharmD and Rachel Meyers, PharmD make a compelling argument about the importance of including a child’s weight on prescriptions. They emphasize how this simple, yet vital, piece of information can help reduce medication errors and ensure safe, accurate dosing for pediatric patients. The authors discuss the gaps in current prescribing practices and how the inclusion of weight can prevent dosing mistakes that may arise from weight-based calculations. They also highlight how weight should be a standard part of all pediatric prescriptions to ensure the highest standards of care.Stay tuned as we break down their findings and discuss practical ways pharmacists, clinicians, and parents can ensure safer medication practices for children. Let’s dive in!

The Scoop on Poop: A Prebiotic Journey with Begin Health | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

In this episode of Pediatric Pharmacist Review, we’re diving into the world of kids’ gut health with a very special guest—Madeline Lauf, founder and CEO of Begin Health. Madeline shares her inspiring journey from growing up in rural America to becoming a leader in children’s gut microbiome health. Through Begin Health, Madeline is on a mission to empower parents and transform how we support the next generation in achieving lifelong health.We discuss:The importance of the gut microbiome in children’s health.Why prebiotics are a game-changer for improving digestion, immune function, and overall wellness in kids.The challenges parents face balancing modern convenience with long-term health.How Begin Health uses science-backed, innovative solutions to help kids thrive.Practical tips for parents to support their child’s gut health and encourage “better poop days.”Madeline’s passion for preventing chronic illness and creating sustainable health solutions shines throughout this conversation. Whether you're a parent, pharmacist, or healthcare professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to improve gut health from the start.Guest Bio:Madeline Lauf is the founder and CEO of Begin Health, a company dedicated to children’s gut microbiome health. Growing up in rural America, Madeline saw the challenges families face in building a foundation for lifelong health. She launched Begin Health to empower parents with science-backed tools and nutritional interventions that reduce reliance on prescription drugs and prevent chronic illness. Madeline holds a double degree in Economics and Law, Letters, and Society from the University of Chicago.Resources & Links:Learn more about Begin Health: https://www.beginhealth.comFollow Begin Health on Instagram: @beginhealthJoin the Conversation:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Let us know how you’re supporting better gut health for kids.#GutHealth #Prebiotics #Pediatrics #BeginHealth #PediatricPharmacistReview #HealthyKids

Custom Care for Kids: Pharmacogenomics in Pediatrics | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

In this exciting episode of the Pediatric Pharmacist Review Podcast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of pharmacogenomics and its transformative impact on pediatric care. Our special guest is Dr. Kelly E. Caudle, Pharm.D., Ph.D., FCCP, an Associate Member in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Dr. Caudle brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion, with over a decade of experience in pharmacogenomics implementation. As the Director of the NIH-funded Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), she oversees groundbreaking work in translating genetic test results into actionable prescribing decisions. With CPIC publishing 28 gene-based clinical guidelines covering 29 genes and over 150 drugs, Dr. Caudle's leadership is reshaping personalized medicine for children worldwide.Tune in as we explore how pharmacogenomics is enabling tailored treatments for pediatric patients, improving medication efficacy, and minimizing adverse effects. Dr. Caudle also shares insights into her work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and offers a glimpse into the future of personalized pediatric care.Key Takeaways:What pharmacogenomics is and why it matters for pediatric medicine.How CPIC guidelines are helping clinicians make data-driven prescribing decisions.The role of genetic testing in improving medication safety and outcomes for children.Dr. Caudle’s journey in leading pharmacogenomics research and clinical implementation.Guest Bio:Dr. Kelly E. Caudle is a leading expert in pharmacogenomics, with over 100 publications and abstracts to her name. Her work has advanced the clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and beyond. As a passionate researcher and educator, she has inspired countless professionals through her national and international presentations.