Antiemetics for children with gastroenteritis: off-label but still on in clinical practice

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2006 Sep;43(3):402-4. doi: 10.1097/01.mpg.0000232571.56397.0d.

Abstract

Antiemetics are not included for treatment of vomiting associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children by standard guidelines. We performed a survey to determine antiemetic prescribing rates by Italian pediatricians. A structured questionnaire was distributed at a pediatric national conference. The majority of responders reported prescribing antiemetics for pediatric gastroenteritis. Although there is insufficient evidence to justify their use, the use of antiemetics is widely present among pediatricians.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Rectal
  • Antiemetics / adverse effects
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Domperidone / administration & dosage
  • Gastroenteritis / complications
  • Gastroenteritis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Italy
  • Pediatrics*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vomiting / drug therapy
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Domperidone