2009, Number 6
Medical prescriptions for children in a southern area of Mexico City
Arellano-Penagos M, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez S
Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 293-298
PDF size: 463.43 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We analyzed and described the contents of medical prescription for children in a community in the southern part of Mexico City.Method and material: A transversal, descriptive study was carried out in 150 children from July to December 2008. The patients were examined and some were subject to laboratory studies, i.e. complete blood count, urinanalysis, X rays.
Results: Viral etiology was the most common in children with upper respiratory infections, a diagnosis based on the clinical features and an elevated lymphocyte count. Most of the prescriptions were written by physicians who work in or collaborate with drug stores which sell medicines with the designation of “similar” or “generic”. Our study showed that in 43% of the cases as many as three medicines were prescribed for one patient with more than one antibiotic. In addition medications to relieve symptoms were commonly prescribed.
Conclusions: A medical prescription for children must be clearly worded and based on documented knowledge of pediatric pharmacology, stating doses, timing and number of doses per day. Prescription of antibiotics should be carefully considered and only when strictly necessary in order to avoid bacterial resistance.
REFERENCES
Guiscafré GH. La atención integral del niño con infección respiratoria aguda: lo apropiado y lo actual. Guías clínicas para disminuir el abuso de antimicrobianos y de sintomáticos, así como el de evitar que los niños mueran en el hogar por neumonía después de haber recibido la consulta médica. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2008;65(4):322-30.