Awareness and Views of Pharmacists and Physicians Toward Prescribing of Drugs for Off-Label Use in the Pediatric Population in Saudi Arabia

Background: Prescribing off-label drugs in healthcare settings is a common practice worldwide. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the knowledge and views of healthcare professionals regarding the off-label use of drugs in pediatric patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December, 2020, among physicians and pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A 28-item questionnaire was distributed to the healthcare professionals through an electronic link. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report the data. Results: A total of 368 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. More than two-thirds of the respondents were aware of the correct definition of off-label drugs. Of the respondents, 37% were satisfied with their knowledge related to the use of off-label drugs in the pediatric population. Approximately half of the healthcare professionals in the study had major concerns about the efficacy and safety of off-label prescribing to children. Conclusion: Off-label drug use among pediatric patients is common practice in the KSA and healthcare professionals providing treatment to the children are also aware of the concept of off-label drugs.