Small patients, big challenges: navigating pediatric drug manipulations to prevent medication errors - a comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction: Medication errors during drug manipulations in pediatric care pose significant challenges to patient safety and optimal medication management. Epidemiological studies have revealed a high prevalenceof medication errors throughout the medication process. Due to the lack of age-appropriate dosage forms, medication manipulation is common in pediatric drug administration. The consequences of these manipulations on drug efficacy and safety could be devastating, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and standardized compounding practices.

Areas covered: This review focuses on examining medication errors in pediatric care and delving into the manipulation of medicinal products.

Expert opinion: The observed prevalence of medication errors and manipulations underscores the importance of addressing these issues to enhance patient safety and improve medication outcomes in pediatric care. Overall, the development of age-appropriate formulations and the dissemination of comprehensive clinical guidelines are essential steps toward improving medication safety and minimizing manipulations in pediatric healthcare settings.

Keywords: Age-appropriate formulation; compounding/extemporaneous preparation; drug manipulation; medication error; off-label/unlicensed use; pediatric patient.