Authors: (including presenting author): :
Cheung WT(1), Yung L(1), Leung SL(1), Wan TW(1), Yuen CM(1), Lee KS(1), Li CH(2), Lui YS(2), Lau CL(3), Lui CT(3), Ching WM(3), Ng YS(4), Cheng SY(4)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Pharmacy, Tuen Mun Hospital, (2)Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, NTWC, (3)Department of Accident and Emergency, NTWC, (4)Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, NTWC
Keyword 1: :
Cough and Cold Preparations
Introduction: :
Cough and Cold preparations are commonly prescribed to children. However, age limit of drugs/ products and dosage recommendation vary among different specialties within NTWC, leading to inconsistencies in prescribing practice and potential medication safety risks. Moreover, standard dosing is available in adults while variable dosage of medication in paediatrics is often encountered owing to different dosing methods, such as age-based and weight-based dosing, adopted in this population, resulting in more calculation and hence higher chance of error. Through a comprehensive review, we aimed to identify discrepancies in current practices and launch a universal guidance.
Objectives: :
1. To establish a uniform prescribing practice of Cough and Cold preparations in Paediatrics in NTWC 2. To enhance the awareness of safe use of Cough and Cold preparations in Paediatrics 3. To mitigate medication error of Cough and Cold preparations in Paediatrics
Methodology: :
Recommendation from the Department of Health HK and reliable overseas authorities were reviewed. Cough and Cold preparations were identified in hospital and Family Medicine Clinic formulary. The product information (if available) of each drug/ product was also reviewed for the licensed age and recommended dosage. For products without clear instruction, drug databases e.g. BNFC, LexiDrug, Micromedex were accessed. Weight-based dosing was mostly adopted if multiple recommendation were available for each drug entity. The information was then consolidated into a Quick Reference that illustrated appropriate dosage of available drugs/ products under different age groups. Paediatricians have been consulted for their expert opinion, and the Quick Reference was circulated among A&E and FM&PHC for their further comments.
Result & Outcome: :
In general, Cough and Cold preparations are recommended to children over 6 years of age, with the exception of some non-sedating antihistamines and anti-pyretics. After thorough discussion with the mentioned specialties, “Quick reference of Cough and Cold Preparations in Paediatrics” has been adopted in NTWC since November 2025. The implementation of the “Quick Reference” has enhanced medication safety by minimizing variability in medication prescribing and promoting appropriate use of Cough and Cold preparations in paediatrics.
