[Use of cold and cough medications prescribed in Primary Care clinics for children less than 14 years]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Cold and cough medications are commonly prescribed for pediatric respiratory conditions.
• Assessing the appropriateness of these prescriptions is vital for ensuring child safety and treatment efficacy.
• Primary Health Care settings play a significant role in pediatric medication management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of cold and cough medications prescribed to children.
• To analyze prescription patterns in Primary Health Care within the Asturian Health Service.
• To identify areas for improvement in pediatric pharmacotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study design was employed.
• Analysis of respiratory disease prescriptions from 6 pediatricians in Area V of the Asturian Health Service (2011).
• Evaluation of drug suitability based on drug datasheets and clinical guidelines.

Main Results:

• A total of 424 cold and cough drugs were analyzed (249 antitussives, 155 mucolytics).
• 85.1% of all prescriptions were found to be unsuitable for pediatric use.
• All prescriptions for children under 6 years old were unsuitable; 75.1% of antitussives and 99.4% of mucolytics/others were inappropriate.

Conclusions:

• A high percentage (85%) of cold and cough medications prescribed to children are unsuitable.
• Emphasis should be placed on prescribing medications with a favorable risk-benefit profile for pediatric patients.
• Enhanced education for pediatricians, parents, and nurses regarding pediatric drug use is essential.