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Antiemetics for children with gastroenteritis: off-label but still on in clinical practice

Fabio Albano1, Eugenia Bruzzese, Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|September 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Standard guidelines do not recommend antiemetics for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. However, a survey revealed most Italian pediatricians frequently prescribe these medications despite insufficient evidence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Standard pediatric guidelines do not include antiemetics for acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
  • Vomiting is a common symptom in children with AGE.
  • Evidence supporting antiemetic use in pediatric AGE is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prescribing rates of antiemetics for pediatric AGE among Italian pediatricians.
  • To identify current prescribing practices for antiemetic medications in pediatric gastroenteritis.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire.
  • The survey targeted pediatricians attending a national pediatric conference in Italy.
  • Data on antiemetic prescribing habits for pediatric gastroenteritis were collected.

Main Results:

  • The majority of responding pediatricians reported prescribing antiemetics for pediatric gastroenteritis.
  • Antiemetic use is prevalent among Italian pediatricians for treating vomiting in children with AGE.
  • Prescribing practices contrast with current guideline recommendations.

Conclusions:

  • There is a widespread use of antiemetics by pediatricians for pediatric gastroenteritis.
  • Current prescribing patterns for antiemetics in pediatric AGE are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence.
  • Further research and guideline adherence are needed to optimize treatment for pediatric gastroenteritis.

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