Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatricians regarding pediatric liquid medicaments

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatricians regarding pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) and its effect on dental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 103 pediatricians was asked to answer a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total number of 87 pediatricians completed the questionnaires. They considered age and body weight of the child (58%), cost of the medicine (40%), and pharmaceutical company (37%) to be relevant while prescribing. Eighty-eight percent of pediatricians knew that the PLM was sweet in nature. Sixty-seven percent of pediatricians stated that pH of PLM is responsible for deleterious effect on teeth. Seventy-two percent of pediatricians were aware of hidden sugars present in PLM. Only 48% of pediatricians were aware of availability of sugar-free medicine. Seventy percent of pediatricians were of the opinion that sugar-free medicine is not as sweet as sugar-containing medicines and is more expensive (65%). CONCLUSION: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatricians regarding PLMs and its effect on dental health were not satisfactory.