Survey of the current state of pediatric drug use in Japan (1994-6). Drug Therapy Committee of the Japan Pediatric Society.
BACKGROUND
A survey of the current state of pediatric drug therapy in Japan was conducted using a questionnaire completed by committee members and the former president of the Drug Therapy Committee of the Japan Pediatric Society.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to the members of the Drug Committee, who represent the various specialties of the Japan Pediatric Society, and to its former chairperson. Questionnaires contained eight items.


RESULTS
This survey demonstrated that, although use of drug therapy in adults is clearly defined, pediatric drug therapy in Japan is extremely imprecise, with the potential to lead to undesirable consequences.


CONCLUSIONS
The Japan Pediatric Society demands that the standardization of drug information labels and dosages specifically for children, including premature and full-term neonates, should be included under all aspects of National Health Insurance.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017277:Drug Approval; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan; D010372:Pediatrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires