Why are neonates (newborns) at a higher risk of drug toxicity for medications excreted by the kidneys?
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Correct answer: Their renal blood flow and tubular transport mechanisms are still immature
Glomerular filtration and tubular secretion are not fully developed at birth. This reduced renal capacity means that drugs excreted by the kidneys have a much longer half-life in neonates, requiring careful dose calculations.
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