Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Topical corticosteroids in infants: prescribing pattern and prescribing errors in Bahrain
Khalid A J Al Khaja1, Awatif H H Damanhori, Thuraya M Al-Ansari
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Arabian Gulf University, P.O. Box 22979, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. khlidj@agu.edu.bh
Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|February 14, 2007
Summary
Topical corticosteroid prescribing in Bahraini infants shows significant errors, including inappropriate potency and missing dosage information. Rational prescribing and updated guidelines are crucial for optimal infant skin care.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for infants.
- Infants are a vulnerable population requiring careful drug selection and administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit topical corticosteroid prescribing patterns and identify errors in infants within Bahrain's primary care setting.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide audit of prescriptions dispensed to infants from 20 primary care centers over two weeks.
- Analysis of 2282 infant prescriptions, identifying topical corticosteroid use and associated prescribing details.
Main Results:
- 13% of infant prescriptions included topical corticosteroids.
- Significant omissions in dosing frequency (21.6%) and therapy duration (43.6%) were noted.
- Inappropriate use of moderate-to-potent corticosteroids and controversial dilution techniques were observed.
Conclusions:
- Topical corticosteroid therapy in infants in Bahrain is suboptimal, characterized by prescribing errors and suboptimal practices.
- Recommendations include establishing treatment guidelines, implementing pharmacovigilance, and revising the essential drug list.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...