Do pediatric oral suspension acetaminophen and ibuprofen product labeling and online resources facilitate intended use?

Abstract

Background: Caregivers often have difficulty administering pediatric medications which frequently results in increased dosing error risk.

Objective: We examined health literacy characteristics of pediatric over-the-counter (OTC) oral suspension acetaminophen and ibuprofen instructional materials and dosing instruments.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of dosing instructions, measuring syringe characteristics, and internet-based resources among a sample of OTC pediatric oral suspension acetaminophen and ibuprofen products (n = 14).

Results: All products included Drug Facts Panels, employed consistent abbreviation use, and stated measuring dosage with syringe provided. However, oral syringe dosing increment markings did not match box or bottle dosing charts. Most products had supplemental English-language internet-based content resources available.

Conclusions: While OTC pediatric oral suspension acetaminophen and ibuprofen products labeling included key drug fact elements, there were inconsistencies between medication dosing chart labeling guidelines and oral syringe dosing increments/markings. It is vital that oral dosing syringes are clearly marked to match product dosing chart labeling s as a means of potentially reducing caregiver dosing errors.

Keywords: Child safety; Drug labeling; Health literacy; Medication errors; Nonprescription drugs.