The rectal route of medicine administration for children: Let’s get to the bottom of it

• Published in: European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics 2020-12, Vol.157, p.25-27
• Main Authors: Hanning, Sara M., Walker, Erin, Sutcliffe, Elâ, Tuleu, Catherine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Drug delivery; Paediatrics; Patient and public involvement; Rectal route
• ISSN: 0939-6411; 1873-3441
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.09.015

[Display omitted] Research around paediatric rectal drug delivery has previously been based on views of parents and healthcare workers. The aim of this exploratory study was to gauge whether children and young adults in the UK were comfortable with the idea of rectal drug delivery. Eleven children from a pre-existing patient and public advisory group were involved in the session. Rectal drug delivery was explained and group participants were asked a series of questions. Responses were discussed in a group and recorded individually. Of the group, 27% would consider the rectal route, while 64% said it depended on other options available. The primary concern focused on potential for abusive misuse by others. Participants thought this would be overcome if the child could self-administer, although there was also concern about the process of self-administration. Not all children in the UK are against rectal drug delivery, but education is needed to teach children to self-administer medication in this way.