10 Most Prescribed Drugs in Pediatrics
- Sep 7, 2014
- 3 min read
At Kids First, we strive to make your experience as quick and easy as possible. In order to provide such a painless service for both you and your child, we are open during nontraditional hours such as evening and weekend. We also have an onsite pharmacy that carries a majority of the prescription and over the counter medications you will need in order to not have to make anymore stops on your way home. We aim to have you seen by a pediatrician and on your way home. We all know that the best medicine your child can get is to rest!
According to about health, the list below is the top 10 most prescribed drugs and 10 best selling drugs for children and teens. This list can help you to understand the medicines that your children might be commonly prescribed.
1. Amoxicillin
It shouldn't be surprising that the most commonly prescribed medications for children, as amoxicillin, or Amoxil, is very inexpensive (generic), is usually well tolerated, and can treat strep throat and many kids with pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections, etc., especially when used at high-dose levels.
2. Azithromycin
Another antibiotic, azithromycin (Zithromax) is also available as a generic and has the convenience of being just once a day for five days, three days (ear infections), or even just one dose (ear infections).
3. Albuterol
The first drug on the list that isn't an antibiotic, albuterol is a bronchodilator that is used to relieve asthma symptoms. It is available in a form for a nebulizer and as a metered dose inhaler (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, etc.). The syrup form of albuterol is very rarely used by most pediatricians.
4. Amoxicillin/clavulanate
Augmentin (Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) combines amoxicillin with the β-lactamase inhibitor potassium clavulanate to help it overcome resistant bacteria. It is commonly used to treat ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, infected bites and oral infections. High-dose Augmentin (Augmentin ES) is also available to help treat resistant Strep pneumo infections.
5. Cefdinir
Cefdinir (Omnicef) is a broad spectrum third generation cephalosporin that is commonly used to treat sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia. Cefdinir is not usually considered to be a first-line treatment though.
6. Cephalexin
Unlike many of the other antibiotics on this list, cephalexin (Keflex), has a more narrow range of action, treating strep throat, skin infections (cellulitis and impetigo), and bone and joint infections, etc. It is a first generation cephalosporin.
7. Fluticasone
Fluticasone is a steroid that is the main ingredient in many different medications, including Flonase nasal spray (generic), Flovent MDI, Cutivate cream and ointment (generic), and Veramyst nasal spray. Depending on the formulation, it can be used to treat kids with eczema, allergies, and/or asthma, etc.
8. Prednisolone sodium phosphate
Available in both a 25mg/5ml and 15mg/5ml syrup, prednisolone is a liquid steroid that is commonly used to treat flare-ups of asthma, poison ivy reactions,croup, and other corticosteroid-responsive disorders.
9. Ibuprofen
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treatfever, pain, and inflammation in children. Although available over-the-counter (Motrin and Advil), prescription strength formulations of ibuprofen are also available.
10. Montelukast
Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist and is approved to prevent and treat asthma, prevent exercise induced asthma, and relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is now available as a generic.
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