Assessment of Iran Medicine List for the Appropriateness of the Six Pharmacological Formulations for Children's Prescription: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The administration of pediatric medicines in an accurate manner for successful therapy is imperative. This study aimed to investigate the Iran Medicine List for the appropriateness of the six pharmacological formulations for children populations to the success of accurate dose delivery. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate oral delivery of the pediatric medicines that belong to six pharmacologic categories including anti-infective, anti-asthma, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid, cardiovascular and oral-rehydration-therapy in Iran. WHO pediatric model list has been assigned as the pattern of evaluation. The compatibility of the pediatric liquid formulations for oral route of administration, in Iran Medicine List, has been assessed. To evaluate the efficiency of oral liquid formulations for delivering the appropriate dosage and determining the amount of medication waste, minimum and maximum therapeutic range of each medicine for defined diseases was calculated according to six-year old child’s weight. Also, to obtain the minimum amount that could easily deliver the appropriate dose, as well as availability of selected medicines at the pharmacy level, an in-house questionnaire was prepared, validated, and was filled by 40 pediatricians and pharmacists. Results: The results of comparison between the two lists showed that, among 106 medicines of WHO model list, only 37 medicines had liquid oral formulation and 13 medicines have not been registered in Iran Medicine List. Results obtained from questionnaire indicated that between these 37 oral liquid formulations, just 20 formulations are available in pharmacies. Conclusion: Based on the results, almost half of the medicines defined in the WHO model list are either not listed in Iran Medicine List or are not in appropriated formulation for pediatric use.