Abstract
In order to assess the impact of the recent upsurge in pediatric drug research, the 1980 edition of the Physicians Desk Reference was reviewed for data and indications pertaining to pediatric and obstetric usage. A total of 1.133 entries were reviewed. Of these 71.9% were oral preparations, 20% parenteral, 1.6% various other routes of administration and 6.5% included multiple routes. Dosing data based on weight or surface area was provided in 27.8% of entries. Specific pediatric dosing data was provided in 40.9% of entries while pediatric usage was specifically contraindicated in 8.9% of entries. In 39.1% of entries no mention was made of pediatric usage and in 11.1% it was mentioned, but without clear recommendations or data. In 2.6% of entries use in pregnancy was approved while 10.3% contained a definite contraindication for such use. The remaining entries either failed to mention use in pregnancy (31.8%) or mentioned use in pregnancy but without definite recommendation (55.3%). Use in breast feeding mothers was mentioned in 27.9% of entries with data provided in 107 entries and a definite contraindication in 104. Data on overdose management was provided in 29.8% of entries. Marked variability was noted between drug classes and manufacturers in terms of the information provided. It is clear from the above analysis that a continued emphasis is needed by manufacturers on providing solid data pertaining to drug usage in pediatrics and obstetrics.
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Rodgers, G., Carroll, W. 365 ANALYSIS OF DRUG PRESCRIBING INFORMATION FOR PEDIA-TRICS AND OBSTETRICS AS PRESENTED IN THE PHYSICIANS DESK REFERENCE. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 501 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00376
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00376