Neubert A, Schulze C (2022)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2022
Book Volume: 170
Pages Range: 237-246
Journal Issue: 3
DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01420-z
Background: Self-medication, also known as over the counter (OTC) medication, is generally understood as the use of drugs that do not require a doctor’s prescription. It is very often used for colds or pain and fever; however, the OTC status does not mean, as is often assumed, that these drugs can be used completely uncritically. Especially in children and adolescents, serious side effects repeatedly occur. Objective: This article investigates which drugs are often used in self-medication and describes which problems can arise in association with different indications. Material and methods: The article is based on a search and analysis of the current literature. Results and discussion: The most commonly used OTC drugs are cough and cold medicines, medicines used to treat pain and fever and medicines used to treat nausea. Herbal preparations play an important role in self-medication for cold remedies; however, these multisubstance preparations are not always harmless and, especially with combination therapies, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted. In addition, the use of both herbal and synthetic preparations is based on very limited scientific evidence. Decongestant preparations for the nose and drugs against nausea (H1 antihistamines) have been and are repeatedly associated with serious adverse effects, especially in young children and should therefore be used strictly according to the license. Pain and fever can be treated very well with ibuprofen or paracetamol. Monotherapy should always be preferred for self-medication.
APA:
Neubert, A., & Schulze, C. (2022). Self-medication in children under the aspect of medication safety Selbstmedikation bei Kindern unter dem Aspekt der Arzneimitteltherapiesicherheit. Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde, 170(3), 237-246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00112-022-01420-z
MLA:
Neubert, Antje, and Christopher Schulze. "Self-medication in children under the aspect of medication safety Selbstmedikation bei Kindern unter dem Aspekt der Arzneimitteltherapiesicherheit." Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde 170.3 (2022): 237-246.
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