Uso pediatrico dei farmaci senza obbligo di prescrizione in Italia

Background. To evaluate the patterns of Over-The-Counter medicines (OTCms) use in children and other elements potentially conditioning their use. Methods. We conducted a descriptive study, through a survey delivered to parents in pediatric structures in Turin. Results. A total of 456 questionnaires were collected. OTCms were used by 88,3% of parents to treat their children. OTCms use was more widespread in Italian families, in families with more than a child and where both parents were employed. Most of the parents (73,6%) purchased OTCms only if suggested by the pediatrician/pharmacist, and 93,9% worried about possible drug interactions or adverse drug reactions. The purchase of OTCms was influenced by advertisements for 33,6% of parents, and most of the parents asked about OTCms’ taste (65,2%) and compatibility with food/beverages (68,9%), especially when the age of children is ≤3 years. Conclusions. Our findings implemented knowledge about OTCms use in children in the North of Italy. An extension of the study to a national level would be interesting.