Children as young as 13 are purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) medications for misuse, according to a recent survey highlighted by The Pharmaceutical Journal. The trend is raising patient safety concerns, with experts pointing to the easy accessibility of these drugs and a common misconception among adolescents that they are harmless, even in excessive doses.
The misuse of OTC medications is not a new phenomenon, but its prevalence among younger age groups is drawing increased attention. Dextromethorphan, commonly found in cough suppressants, and acetaminophen, a prevalent pain reliever, are frequently cited as the most misused substances. Improper use of these medications can lead to significant health risks, including poisoning and requiring emergency medical intervention.
Pharmacists are being positioned as key figures in addressing this growing issue. A 2018 study published in Innov Pharm emphasized the demand for pharmacist-led interventions, focusing on education for adolescents and their caregivers regarding the safe use of OTC medications. The study suggests that pharmacies and schools represent ideal locations for delivering this crucial information.
Researchers note the challenge of effectively engaging adolescents in discussions about medication safety. Innovative approaches and initiatives are being explored to capture their attention and promote responsible decision-making. The increasing use of serious games to educate children about OTC medication safety is one such example, as demonstrated by research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research.
Data from the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association indicates that analgesics are among the most frequently purchased OTC medications in the United States. While the overall impact of specific OTC medication toxicities in the pediatric population remains understudied, drug toxicity is a leading cause of injury-related deaths nationwide.
Concerns similarly extend to the presence of preservatives like parabens in pediatric liquid medications. A recent analysis, published in ScienceDirect, examined 82 pediatric OTC liquid drugs from 13 countries, revealing the occurrence of parabens and their potential contribution to internal exposure in toddlers, though the study did not directly link this to misuse.
No immediate policy changes have been announced in response to the survey findings. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet issued a statement regarding the reported increase in OTC medication misuse among adolescents.
