Use of anti-allergic drugs in children

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most frequent chronic diseases in children. We have analysed the prescriptions habits of anti-allergic medications in children (<14 years old) in 2011. We calculated the DHD (N°DDD/1000 children/day) for oral antihistamines and intranasal therapies (corticoids and antihistamines) in the region (sanitary districts I-VIII) and specifically in sanitary district V (health centres 1-15). We also reviewed the clinical records in six health centres in sanitary district V to know more details about age and diagnosis and to value if these prescriptions are adequate. We observed a use of 8.78 DHD in the group of oral antihistamines, with a predominance of desloratadine (3.48 DHD), a 3rd generation drug of this group, and in second place the intranasal therapy with a preference of corticoids (budesonide 3.5 DHD and mometasone 2.25 DHD). We think that it is necessary to improve the knowledge of anti-allergic drugs in children.