Kindvriendelijke geneesmiddelen

Abstract

Van Riet-Nales DA, Doeve ME, Nicia AE, Teerenstra S, Notenboom K, Hekster YA, et al. The accuracy, precision and sustainability of different techniques for tablet subdivision: breaking by hand and the use of tablet splitters or a kitchen knife. Int J Pharm 2014;466:44-51.Abstract Van Riet-Nales DA, Schobben AFAM, Vromans H, Egberts ACG, Rademaker CMA. Child-friendly medicines. Huisarts Wet 2017;60(1):15-9. Adequate drug treatment in children implies the use of an appropriate medicine, in the correct dose and in a formulation that the child can and will accept. For a long time, little was known about the relationship between aspects related to the drug product design, such as the type of the dosage form, the excipients, the instructions for use, and treatment outcomes in children. Moreover, the currently available medicines may cause problems. This PhD research project investigated child-friendly medicines. Findings showed that medicines are not always licensed or appropriate for children, and that there are differences in drug form of different brands containing the same active ingredient, such as bromhexine syrups with or without alcohol. Young children can be treated not only with liquids and powders, but also, and perhaps even better, with small mini-tablets. This PhD study showed that parents often administer medicines in an incorrect manner, for example by mixing a mini-tablet or powder with food or liquid on a spoon. This occurs more often if the child does not readily take the medicine. As many tablet cutters do not cut tablets into equal halves, scored tablets can best be broken manually.