Abstract
Administration devices are crucial for the correct dosing of medicines to children. In countries outside Japan, oral droppers and syringes are reported to be preferred for the administration of oral liquid medicines to neonates and infants, whilst spoons and cups are more frequently used for older children. However, in Japan the majority of oral medicines are powders and the use of dosing devices in each pediatric age group is not well known. This study was performed as an observational anonymous questionnaire survey on devices for oral medicines in children aged 10 to less than 18 years and parents/caregivers on behalf of children aged from birth to less than 18 years. The results from 336 respondents showed that powders were most frequently prescribed in children aged less than 10 years old followed by liquids. Unlike previous reports, droppers were most frequently used in patients less than 12 months old, while household spoons were most frequently used in older children. Oral syringes were perceived as easy to use, which was in line with previous studies. Further cross-regional multi-countries study for establishment the guidelines on the choice of device will be needed.
Highlights
Administration devices are crucial for the correct dosing of medicines to children; handling and dosing errors commonly appear in daily practice [1,2,3]
Paediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI) consortium has previously recognized that there are gaps in the availability of pediatric medicine administration devices and challenges associated with their use [4,5]
In countries outside Japan, oral droppers and syringes are reported to be preferred for the administration of oral liquid medicines to neonates and infants [6,7], whilst spoons and cups are more frequently used for older children
Summary
Administration devices are crucial for the correct dosing of medicines to children; handling and dosing errors commonly appear in daily practice [1,2,3]. In countries outside Japan, oral droppers and syringes are reported to be preferred for the administration of oral liquid medicines to neonates and infants [6,7], whilst spoons and cups are more frequently used for older children. Oral powder medicines are commonly dispensed as single-dose sachets at a pharmacy, and an administration device is not always provided to patients. Measuring cups or droppers are provided with liquid medicines, which are prescribed frequently for children [10]. It is unknown if these devices are suitable and are easy for parents, caregivers, and children to use
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