
Critical Contribution of Pharmacists in Optimising Medication Safety among Children: A Narrative Review
FE01-FE06
Correspondence
Dr. Sonal Setya,
Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram-122505, Haryana, India.
E-mail: sonalsetya@gmail.com
Paediatric patients are particularly vulnerable to medication errors and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), with the incidence of adverse drug events being three times higher in children compared to adults. Given the complexity of paediatric care, it is essential that all healthcare professionals involved in paediatric medication management receive specialised training. Paediatric patients require individualised dosing, careful monitoring and age-appropriate formulations. The administration of the right drug to the right paediatric patient for the right indication, in the right amount, using the right route of administration, at the right time, and for the right duration forms the basis of rational therapeutics. The lack of availability of paediatric-appropriate medications necessitates urgent discussions among the health department, regulatory bodies, medical specialists and the pharmaceutical sector. The present review paper was aimed to identify the challenges associated with the development of paediatric formulations and Drug-related Problems (DRPs) faced by children, emphasising the critical role of pharmacists in addressing these issues, thus enhancing paediatric patient safety. Pharmacists, with their specialised knowledge and skills, are uniquely positioned to optimise medication therapy in paediatric care. They can significantly reduce medication errors by verifying dose calculations, identifying and mitigating potential drug interactions, and counselling caregivers on proper medication administration and storage. Additionally, pharmacists can serve as educators and communicators within the healthcare team, helping to minimise ADRs and improve their management and reporting. The present review study advocates for the increased involvement of pharmacists in paediatric care, recognising their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes and safeguard paediatric patients from preventable medication-related harm.