Pediatric Antibiotic Pack Size Compliance With the Dosage Regimen: A Descriptive Study

The unavailability of appropriate pediatric drug pack size is a global issue. Antibiotics are the lifesaving and most frequently prescribed therapeutic agents given to pediatrics. The objective of this study was to assess the compliance of pediatric antibiotic pack size with the standard dosage regimen.

A descriptive study design was employed. Data were collected from a community pharmacy in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, between August 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017. Five most commonly prescribed antibiotics were selected and calculations were made to check the appropriateness of packaging size by comparing the quantity of product in the available pack with the dosage regimen recommended by the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC).

Only 16 clarithromycin, 9 amoxicillin, 1 cefotaxime, and 1 metronidazole packaging sizes were sufficient to meet the dosage regimen for treatment. None of the available pack sizes for gentamicin matched the recommended duration of treatment. The study findings revealed that the available pack sizes either had leftover or a shortfall of antibiotic formulation. Highly inappropriate dosage forms (containing either excess and less quantity) of antibiotics were intravenous infusions and oral suspensions.

The study concluded that the packaging sizes of antibiotics failed to supply the recommended dosage regimen to pediatrics for common indications. This may contribute to development of antibiotic resistance among pediatric patients. Health policy makers should devise strict rules and regulations to ensure the availability of child-specific antibiotic pack sizes.