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Published on: January 2, 2017

Pharmacists' attitudes towards pediatric cough and cold products and behind the counter status

Sally A Huston1, Kalen B Porter, Tom Clements

  • 1University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy.

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics : JPPT : the Official Journal of PPAG
|April 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacists are comfortable recommending over-the-counter cough and cold (CAC) medicines for children, despite safety concerns. Most support behind-the-counter (BTC) status for these pediatric medications.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacy Practice

Background:

  • Concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold (CAC) products for pediatric use have been raised.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a review of CAC product status for children under six years old in late 2007.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess pharmacists' comfort level in recommending CAC products for children under six years old.
  • To evaluate pharmacists' attitudes towards and support for behind-the-counter (BTC) status for pediatric CAC products.
  • To determine the frequency with which pharmacists receive requests for CAC product recommendations for children.

Main Methods:

  • An anonymous, self-administered online survey was distributed to 2,045 members of the Georgia Pharmacy Association.
  • The survey, conducted between January 3 and February 6, 2008, collected data on pharmacist demographics, recommendation comfort levels, and views on BTC status.
  • Data analysis focused on responses related to pediatric CAC product recommendations and dispensing regulations.

Main Results:

  • Over 99% of pharmacists believe pediatric CAC medicine safety issues stem from misuse.
  • More than 50% of pharmacists reported being asked to recommend CAC medicines for children at least once daily during cold/flu season.
  • A significant majority of pharmacists felt comfortable recommending CAC medications, considering both safety and efficacy, and supported BTC status for specific medications in children under five.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacists express confidence in recommending CAC medications for children, even with limited evidence of safety or efficacy.
  • A majority of pharmacists support implementing behind-the-counter (BTC) status for certain pediatric CAC products.
  • There is a perceived need for enhanced pharmacist education regarding the safe and effective use of pediatric CAC medications.
Abstract

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