Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic
Ahmed, A., Hasan, M., Mohamed, A., El-Agamy, A. (2646). Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic. EKB Journal Management System, 2024(12), -. doi: 10.58675/2682-339X.2820
Abdulrahman Ahmed; Mohamed Hasan; Ahmed Mohamed; Ali El-Agamy. "Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic". EKB Journal Management System, 2024, 12, 2646, -. doi: 10.58675/2682-339X.2820
Ahmed, A., Hasan, M., Mohamed, A., El-Agamy, A. (2646). 'Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic', EKB Journal Management System, 2024(12), pp. -. doi: 10.58675/2682-339X.2820
Ahmed, A., Hasan, M., Mohamed, A., El-Agamy, A. Screening of Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatric Out-Patient Clinic. EKB Journal Management System, 2646; 2024(12): -. doi: 10.58675/2682-339X.2820

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
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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