Pharmaceutical Dosing Errors at a Pediatric HIV Clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2017 Oct;36(10):973-975. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001639.

Abstract

The outpatient medication dosing error rate at a pediatric HIV clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania, was about 1 in every 34 prescriptions. Young children were at highest risk of a dosing error likely because of dose changes with growth and also the inconsistent supply of pediatric formulations. Majority of errors occurred at consecutive visits suggesting clinicians reordered medication without double checking dosing.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Medication Errors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tanzania / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents