Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic | ||||
Al-Azhar International Medical Journal | ||||
Volume 2024, Issue 12, December 2024 | ||||
DOI: 10.58675/2682-339X.2820 | ||||
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Authors | ||||
Abdulrahman Ahmed1; Mohamed Hasan1; Ahmed Mohamed2; Ali El-Agamy1 | ||||
1Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt | ||||
2Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt | ||||
Abstract | ||||
Background: Off-label drug prescriptions are widespread, representing 21% to 32.3% of all prescriptions. This practice is especially concerning for vulnerable groups, including pediatric patients, where off-label usage is particularly high. Aim: To assess the prevalence of off-label drug use in pediatric outpatient clinics. Methods: The study included 900 children, aged 2 months to 14 years, treated at El Hussein and Said Galal University Hospitals between November 2023 and May 2024. Results: Off-label drug use was found in 85.2% of the children. Females were more frequently prescribed off-label drugs than males. The highest rates were observed among neonates and children under 6 years. Antimicrobial and intramuscularly administered drugs were most commonly used off-label. General practitioners and pharmacists were the leading prescribers of off-label medications. Conclusion: Pediatric outpatient clinics had a high rate of off-label drug use, particularly in younger children and females, antimicrobial drugs and intramuscular medications, with general practitioners and pharmacists being the main prescribers. | ||||
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