Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of
antibiotic suspensions use for pediatrics among Palestinian mothers’ including
their reconstitution, dose administration, duration, and storage conditions.
Methods
This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional descriptive study.
It was conducted at a governmental primary healthcare center and a pediatric
private clinic in Nablus city between January and March 2013. A sample of 400
mothers were met and asked to answer a face to face questionnaire.
Results
The results showed that 347 (86.8 %) of mothers told that they read
instructions, 311 (77.8 %) could understand manufacturers’ instructions,
and 176 (44.0 %) of mothers asked pharmacists for advice when instructions
were not well understood. In order to prepare antibiotic suspension, 302
(75.5 %) used boiled then cooled water, 192 (48.4 %) of mothers used
a syringe to measure the needed amount of water, and 304 (76.6 %) added
water in two steps, 392 (98.0 %) of mothers claimed that they shook the
suspension bottle before use. Regarding dose administration, 313 (78.2 %)
considered syringe as the most accurate tool for dose administration, most of
mothers told that they gave drug dose with major meals when direction were to
give three times daily, about use duration only 6 (1.5 %) mothers said
that they used antibiotic suspension after 2 weeks, and 53 (6.5 %)
gave left over antibiotic suspension to another child. One hundred seventy
seven (44.2 %) mothers told they stored dry powder antibiotic in medicinal
cabinet, while 226 (56.5 %) of them stored suspension in refrigerator.
Conclusion
The results reflect a good level of correct practice. However, there is
a room for improvement. The pharmacists are recommended to explain the correct
directions, to supply a syringe with suitable calibration for dose
administration, and to counsel parents about suitable storage condition,
frequency of dosing and duration of use.
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Problems_associated_with_reconstitution_administration_and_storage_of_antibiotic_suspensions_for_pediatrics_a_cross-sectional_study_in_Nablus_city_Palestine.pdf | 851.08 KB |