The utility of oral diabetes medications in type 2 diabetes of the young.
BACKGROUND
An estimated two-thirds of medications prescribed for use in pediatric patients have not been proven safe or effective for this patient population. Since 1995 a dozen orally administered diabetes medications or combination of medications for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Of these, only one (metformin) is approved for use in pediatrics. As the prevalence of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continues to rise, the need for adequate information regarding the safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing of oral diabetes medications in the pediatric population likewise increases.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to present the data available regarding the use of oral diabetes medications in a pediatric type 2 diabetes population.


METHODS
A computerized literature search was performed using Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.


RESULTS
The Table consists of a summary of data regarding the use of oral antidiabetic agents in pediatric patients. These data include information regarding drug safety and efficacy and/or drug pharmacokinetic and drug dosing information.


CONCLUSIONS
Data concerning the safety and efficacy of oral diabetes medications to treat type 2 diabetes of the young is limited. Data currently available support the use of metformin as first-line drug therapy. Results of prospective studies over the next three to five years will better define the role of thiazolidinedione use as initial therapy in pediatric type 2 diabetes patients.
Kane
Michael P
MP
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany, NY 12208, USA. kanem@acp.edu
Abu-Baker
Asim
A
Busch
Robert S
RS
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001645:Biguanides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005959:Glucosidases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007267:Injections; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001645:Biguanides; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; C089946:2,4-thiazolidinedione; D005959:Glucosidases