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Practical considerations when treating children with antimicrobials in the outpatient setting
1Division of General Paediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, USA.
Drugs
|June 9, 1998
Summary
New antimicrobial agents for pediatric infections like acute otitis media offer varied treatments but face challenges from overuse and resistance. Optimizing antimicrobial use is crucial for preserving effectiveness against common childhood diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- New antimicrobial agents are available for common pediatric infections such as acute otitis media and sinusitis.
- Concerns exist regarding antibiotic overuse and increasing bacterial resistance, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate therapeutic challenges and optimize antimicrobial prescribing in pediatric infectious diseases.
- To highlight the importance of considering factors like dosage, duration, cost, and adverse effects in pediatric antimicrobial therapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized acute otitis media as a model to exemplify issues in pediatric antimicrobial prescribing, accounting for over 50% of childhood prescriptions.
- Reviewed potential alternatives and adjuncts to antimicrobial treatment, including vaccination and environmental risk factor control.
Main Results:
- Clinicians face numerous antimicrobial choices, alongside growing concerns about overuse.
- Dosage, duration, cost, taste, and adverse effects significantly influence treatment success in children.
Conclusions:
- Avoiding inappropriate antimicrobial use is essential to preserve treatment efficacy.
- Simple strategies can enhance patient compliance and parental satisfaction, optimizing pediatric care.