Access to pharmacist’s recommended medicines for paediatric patients

Abstract

The rationale of this study was driven by the limitations in the availability of formulations of pharmacist-recommended medications for paediatric use. The objective of this study was to identify products which are available for paediatrics which are pharmacists recommended and to assess scientific evidence on safety and efficacy of these products. Scenario analysis was carried out by reviewing all the Summary of Product Characteristics of non-prescription medications having a marketing authorisation listed on the Malta Medicines Authority website. The age range used for this study was that of neonates up to 12 years of age. The product’s safety was assessed by reviewing the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data. Medicinal products available, their intended use and information on the safety and efficacy data for the products were identified. It was observed that a total of 163 medicinal products, contributing to 196 formulations are available on the Maltese market for paediatric use as non-prescription medicines. Cough and cold preparations (n=21) are the most available non-prescription products for paediatric patients. The most common side-effects listed are those affecting the gastro-intestinal system (n=27). There is a total of 31 products that have no pharmacokinetic data available on the SPC whereas the most pharmacokinetic data available is excretion da ta (n=44). In conclusion, this study identifies pharmacist-recommended available products for paediatric use and the symptomatology they cover. Details on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of these products are weak. Guidelines in order to help pharmacists during dispensing of medications are developed.