Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) consist of synthetic macromolecular matrix, obtained through molecular imprinting-based methods that show ability to selectively recognize important biological molecules and its application in the drug delivery field is under development. In the present review the main aspects related to the synthesis and characterization of MIPs are studied. The fundamental variables participating in the synthesis process, such as template molecule, functional monomers, cross-linking agents, solvents and imprinting approaches are discussed. Moreover, the main available methods for MIPs chemical and morphological characterization are presented and the importance of the obtained information is discussed.

Com frequência, na farmacoterapêutica pediátrica há necessidade de administrar substâncias activas que apenas são disponibilizadas pela indústria farmacêutica sob a forma de especialidades farmacêuticas com dosagens e/ou em formas farmacêuticas destinadas a adultos. Nestas situações, a prescrição de fórmulas magistrais e a sua preparação nas farmácias comunitárias e hospitalares permite obter medicamentos, em regra apresentados sob a forma de líquidos para uso oral, adaptados às necessidades específicas de cada doente. No futuro, os incentivos que têm vindo a ser disponibilizados à indústria farmacêutica europeia e americana deverão contribuir para aumentar o número de medicamentos pediátricos produzidos industrialmente. Contudo, por várias razões, não é expectável que estes venham a preencher todas as necessidades terapêuticas em Pediatria, muitas das quais continuarão a ser resolvidas através do recurso à prescrição e preparação de fórmulas magistrais.

Frequentely, in paediatric pharmacotherapy it is necessary to administrate active substances which are only available by pharmaceutical industry under the form of pharmaceutical specialities with dosages and/or dosage forms for adults. In these cases, the prescription of magistral formulations and their preparation by community pharmacies or hospital pharmacies leads to medicines, usually available as liquids for oral use, adaptated to the specific needs of each patient. In the future, the incentives that have been given to European and American pharmaceutical industry should contribute to increase the number of industrialized paediatric medicines. However, for several reasons, it is not expectable that these medicines will fullfil all the paediatric therapeutic needs, many of which will be solved by means of the prescription and preparation of magistral formulations.