Aims: The aim of this study was to describe prescriptions of drugs contra-indicated in children according to the summary product characteristics (SPC) of the drugs.
Methods: An exhaustive cross-sectional study based on the data used by the French Health Insurance in the Aude Department (France) during 2001 was carried out to identify all instances where children under the age of 15 years were prescribed a drug that stated in its SPC that its use in this age group was contraindicated.
Results: The prescription of drugs stated as being contraindicated in children under the age of 15 years involved 4316 children. The incidence rate was 116 per 1000 child-years. It was patently obvious for two classes of drugs: nasal decongestants (21.0% of prescriptions) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (16.9%). These prescriptions were made by 610 physicians, of which 70% were general practitioners, 8% dentists and 3% paediatricians.
Conclusion: This study shows a high incidence of children receiving contraindicated drugs in Aude department in France. This work highlights the need for, first, the widespread dissemination of information on the good use of drugs in children and, secondly, specific clinical trials performed in children.