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Administration devices are crucial for the correct dosing of medicines to children. In countries outside Japan, oral droppers and syringes are reported to be preferred for the administration of oral liquid medicines to neonates and infants, whilst spoons and cups are more frequently used for older children. However, in Japan the majority of oral medicines are powders and the use of dosing devices in each pediatric age group is not well known. This study was performed as an observational anonymous questionnaire survey on devices for oral medicines in children aged 10 to less than 18 years and parents/caregivers on behalf of children aged from birth to less than 18 years. The results from 336 respondents showed that powders were most frequently prescribed in children aged less than 10 years old followed by liquids. Unlike previous reports, droppers were most frequently used in patients less than 12 months old, while household spoons were most frequently used in older children. Oral syringes were perceived as easy to use, which was in line with previous studies. Further cross-regional multi-countries study for establishment the guidelines on the choice of device will be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in children. Adherence to the treatment with these drugs is of the utmost importance to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria, a global health threat. In children, medicine acceptability is likely to have a significant impact on compliance. Herein we used a multivariate approach, considering simultaneously the many aspects of acceptability to explore the drivers of oral antibiotic acceptability in children under twelve, especially in toddlers and in preschoolers. Based on 628 real-life observer reports of the intake of 133 distinct medicines, the acceptability reference framework highlighted the influence of many factors such as age and sex of patients, previous exposure to treatment, place of administration, administration device, flavor agent in excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredient. These findings from an international observational study emphasize the multidimensional nature of acceptability. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all these different aspects for assessing this multi-faceted concept and designing or prescribing a medicine in order to reach adequate acceptability in the target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]