Transdermal patch medication delivery systems and pediatric poisonings, 2002-2006
Dina Parekh1, Michael A Miller, Doug Borys
1Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Darnall Army Medical Center, Ft Hood, Texas, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|May 24, 2008
Summary
Transdermal medication patches pose potential toxicity risks for children. While most pediatric exposures showed no severe effects, awareness of these risks is crucial for safe medication use.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Drug Safety
Background:
- Transdermal drug delivery systems offer convenient medication administration.
- These systems contain significant drug quantities, raising concerns about accidental exposure and toxicity.
- Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to medication-related adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics and outcomes of transdermal medication exposures in children under 12 years of age.
- To assess the clinical significance of accidental transdermal drug exposure in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Texas Poison Center Network database.
- Data collected for exposures between 2002 and 2006.
- Focus on cases involving individuals less than 12 years old with transdermal patch exposure.
Main Results:
- Identified 336 transdermal patch exposures from 2002-2006; 110 involved children under 12.
- The majority of pediatric exposures resulted in no significant clinical effects.
- One fatality was reported due to opioid toxicity from a transdermal patch.
Conclusions:
- While most transdermal patch exposures in young children do not cause severe toxicity, potential risks exist.
- Increased awareness among healthcare providers and the public regarding the toxicity of patch-based medications in children is necessary.
- Safe storage and administration practices are essential to prevent pediatric exposures.
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