Changes in the prescribing of liquid oral medicines (LOMs) in the northern region of England between 1987 and 1992 with special regard to sugar content and long-term use in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the changes in prescribing of liquid oral medicines used long-term in children and to observe any patterns of change in sugar-free prescribing.

DESIGN

Prescribing patterns in 1992 were compared with those in 1987. Information on these and on the sweetening agent in each liquid oral medicine was obtained from several relevant sources.

SETTING

The survey covered the Northern region of England, and Great Britain overall.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on numbers (in 1000s) and quantities (1) of liquid oral medicines prescribed and dispensed during 1992. All generic and propriety preparations with equivalent therapeutic effects were included.

RESULTS

There was a small percentage reduction in the use of liquid oral medicines among all medicines dispensed in Great Britain in 1992 compared with 1987. The total volume of liquid oral medicines prescribed in the Northern region increased from 320,000 l to 442,600 l of which the total quantity prescribed as sugar-free increased from 35 per cent to 50 per cent.

CONCLUSIONS

Children who require medicines long-term are often those for whom dental disease and treatment carry the greatest potential risks. Use of solid rather than liquid dose forms of medicine should be promoted and the trend towards the sugar-free options in liquid medicines should be encouraged and sustained.