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Using Standardised Strengths of Unlicensed Liquid Medicines in Children

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Topics: PaediatricsPrimary CareTransfer of careUnlicensed medicines

A joint statement from the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

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Recommendation

NPPG and RCPCH strongly recommend that when children require unlicensed liquid medications, they should receive the RCPCH- and NPPG- recommended strength, where one exists. There are currently 17 such recommended strengths, 16 of which are published in relevant drug monographs of the BNF for Children. Standardising the prescribed strengths of these medicines, will reduce the risk of errors being made in the doses given to children and prevent hospitalisation from accidental under- and overdoses.

The most recent version is available at the link below

Update history

  1. Name updated to Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG).
  1. Link updated to reflect November 2021 update of NPPG doc
  1. Link updated to reflect the December 2020 update to original document
  1. Published