Abstract
Background: Prescribing off-label drugs in healthcare settings is a common practice worldwide. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the knowledge and views of healthcare professionals regarding the off-label use of drugs in pediatric patients.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December, 2020, among physicians and pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A 28-item questionnaire was distributed to the healthcare professionals through an electronic link. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report the data.Results: A total of 368 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. More than two-thirds of the respondents were aware of the correct definition of off-label drugs. Of the respondents, 37% were satisfied with their knowledge related to the use of off-label drugs in the pediatric population. Approximately half of the healthcare professionals in the study had major concerns about the efficacy and safety of off-label prescribing to children.Conclusion: Off-label drug use among pediatric patients is common practice in the KSA and healthcare professionals providing treatment to the children are also aware of the concept of off-label drugs.
Highlights
More than two-thirds of the respondents were aware of the correct definition of off-label drugs
37% were satisfied with their knowledge related to the use of off-label drugs in the pediatric population
Off-label drug use among pediatric patients is common practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and healthcare professionals providing treatment to the children are aware of the concept of off-label drugs
Summary
Prescribing drugs is recognized as a challenging practice that needs to be constantly monitored and refined. It is based on the knowledge of clinical pharmacology principles, knowledge about drugs, and the experience of the prescribing physician [1,2]. Prescribing off-label drugs in healthcare settings is a common practice [5]. Off-label prescribing is one of the challenges of prescribing in the pediatric population apart from the lack of randomized controlled trials in this age group and variation in drug disposing [5]. Technical constraints such as blood sampling are one of the significant factors that limit clinical studies in children [5]. It is crucial to evaluate the knowledge and views of healthcare professionals regarding the off-label use of drugs in pediatric patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
