Children's over-the-counter medicines pharmacoepidemiological (COPE) study

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the extent and types of minor ailments in children that were presented at community pharmacies and the types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines purchased in response to these ailments. Method: Data on all requests and sales of OTC medicines for children (aged 16 years and under) and consultations for minor ailments in children were recorded in eight community pharmacies for one week every month over a 12-month period. Participants were members of the public who consulted the pharmacists or other pharmacy staff in the community pharmacies. Key findings: A total of 976 consultations was recorded with 61.5% requesting an OTC medicine by name and 38.5% by symptom presentation. An average of 10.2 consultations was made per pharmacy per week. Requests for treatment were usually made within five days of symptom occurrence (86%). Most of the consultations were made by mothers (75%), although 17% were by fathers. The most commonly purchased OTC medicine was paracetamol. There were five requests for aspirin and one was for a 2-year old child. A total of 62 cases (6%) was referred back to the child's primary care physician (general practitioner). Conclusions: Symptoms related to cough and cold were the most common problems in children presenting to community pharmacies for treatment. Paracetamol was the most widely used OTC medicine in children. Pharmacy staff do question the request for OTC medicines such as aspirin, to ensure its safe use. Community pharmacies play an important role as the first port of call for advice on minor ailments in children and have an opportunity to provide health promotion to carers of children. © 2007 The Authors.