title: Inadequacies in the pharmacologic management of ambulatory children.
abstract: The compliance with treatment of acute otitis media in 300 pediatric outpatients was evaluated. Complete compliance in taking prescribed antibiotics was noted in 7.3% of the patients. Pharmacists dispensed less than prescribed amounts of antibiotics to 15% of patients. Bottles were incorrectly labeled 3% of the time. Volumes of 130 "teaspoons" examined varied from 2 to 9 ml. Parental understanding of the illness and of the effects of medication was inadequate and erroneous in many instances. Parents gave fewer than the prescribed number of doses in 36% of cases, and therapy was discontinued early in 37%. Recommendations for improving the quality of therapy for ambulatory pediatric patients are outlined.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing; D010290:Parents; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000592:standards; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms; D014815:Vitamins