Replacing liquid with solid dosage forms in pediatric practice: Feasibility and economic impact from a hospital-based study

Abstract

To identify the 10 drugs most frequently administered to children in liquid dosage forms which are eligible for replacement with suitable authorized solid dosage forms and to assess the expected economic impact of this substitution. The health record data from 312,152 oral drug administrations were analyzed. Ten drugs were selected according to their frequency of administration in liquid dosage forms, the availability of solid form alternatives, and the suitability of these alternatives for the children receiving the corresponding liquid forms. Potential hospital cost savings of the suggested substitutions were calculated. The 10 drugs identified as most frequently administered and for which suitable solid forms were available were: paracetamol, cyamemazine, valproic acid, clonazepam, furosemide, prazepam, hydroxyzine, alfacalcidol, amitriptyline, and levetiracetam. Thirty-four point six of the administrations of these drugs in liquid dosage forms could be delivered using suitable solid dosage forms without additional cost. Opportunities exist for substituting liquid dosage forms with market-available solid dosage forms suitable in size and dosage for the pediatric population.