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. 2025 Aug;30(4):422-439.
doi: 10.5863/JPPT-25-00061. Epub 2025 Aug 11.

Pediatric Pharmacy Association 2025 KIDs List of Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics

Christopher McPherson  1   2   3 , Rachel S Meyers  4   5 , Jennifer Thackray  6 , Danielle L Stutzman  7   8   9 , Kimberly P Mills  1 , Sana J Said  10   11 , Karisma Patel  12 , Robert C Hellinga  13 , Amy L Potts  14 , Lisa Lubsch  15   16 , Kelly L Matson  17   18 , David S Hoff  19
Affiliations

Pediatric Pharmacy Association 2025 KIDs List of Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics

Christopher McPherson et al. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to update the KIDs List, a list of drugs and excipients that are potentially inappropriate for use in pediatric patients, accounting for emerging pharmacologic agents and published evidence.

Methods: A panel of 12 pediatric pharmacists from the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) evaluated primary, secondary, and tertiary literature; FDA Pediatric Safety Communications; the UpToDate Lexidrug database; and product information for drugs that may be considered potentially inappropriate for use in pediatric patients. A PubMed search identified new publications from October 1, 2017, to November 1, 2023. All agents included in the previous publication and those anecdotally identified as candidates for the list by the authors or PPA members were evaluated. Evidence was reviewed by all authors. The draft list underwent a 30-day public comment period prior to being finalized.

Results: A PubMed search yielded 917 unique titles of which 17 were deemed relevant for full review. Sixty-seven drugs and/or drug classes and 10 excipients from the original publication were also reviewed. Author and PPA member recommendations highlighted an additional 25 drugs or drug classes. The UpToDate Lexidrug database extraction yielded 1470 drugs, which were filtered to 145 agents for author review. After critical analysis and reorganization, the second edition of the KIDs List contains 39 drugs and/or drug classes and 10 excipients.

Conclusions: This article updates the initial list of drugs and excipients that are potentially inappropriate for prescribing in all or a select subgroup of pediatric patients. The second edition should stimulate novel research to inform future updates.

Keywords: adverse drug event; adverse drug reaction; excipients; medications; pediatrics; potentially inappropriate medication list.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Methods for development of the updated KIDs list.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Results of literature search, expert opinions, FDA Pediatric Safety Communications, and UpToDate Lexidrug database search.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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