concern for choking in infants or young children. When using homeopathic medications, the caregivers should be advised about not using other products containing camphor or menthol, as these can interfere with the action of homeopathic medications. The caregivers should be cautioned about not using the ear drops if there is a perforated ear drum, any ear drainage, ear tubes or after ear surgery. In this case, the tablet form can be used. As always, if the child does not improve within two to three days, or the child’s condition deteriorates, the caregivers should be instructed to follow-up with the child’s primary care practitioner.
AOM is one of the most com-
mon childhood illnesses that often
is treated with antibiotics. However,
recent guidelines have called for a
wait-and-see prescription in certain
children according to age, illness se-
verity and diagnostic certainty. Ho-
meopathic medications have been
used for more than 200 years safely
and effectively, and may be espe-
cially suited for certain children with
AOM. With the increasing rates of
antibiotic resistance, as well as the
caution in using certain OTC drugs
in young children, homeopathy of-
fers an alternative. Pharmacists can
thus feel confident in counseling par-
ents about using single or combina-
tion homeopathic products, know-
ing that homeopathic medications
are safe, effective, grounded in a
scientific method and backed by cur-
rent clinical research evidence.
For a complete
list of references, visit
CEdrugstorenews.com.
Practice PointS
1. AOM is one of the most common childhood illnesses for which antibiotics are prescribed. However, most children with AOM will recover without antibiotics and without any adverse sequallae.
2. The AAP/AAFP Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend the wait-and-see prescription — observation for 48 to 72 hours without the use of antibiotics in certain children with AOM based on diagnostic certainty, age, illness severity and assurance of follow-up.
3. Homeopathy has been used worldwide safely and effectively for over 200 years and offers an alternative that can be used in the wait-and-see period, or even alongside antibiotics in the management of AOM.
4. Homeopathic medications differ from herbal products in that they are diluted preparations of naturally occurring plant, mineral and animal substances. They are regulated by the FDA for strength, quality, consistency, purity and packaging. Because of their diluted preparation, homeopathic medications are safe even in infants and can be given alongside conventional medication without any concern for drug-drug interactions.
5. Single or combination homeopathic products can be used in the management of AOM. Single homeopathic medications should be used when there is a clear corresponding symptom picture. However, many cases may not present with clear symptom picture of any particular remedy. In these cases, combination homeopathic products for relief of ear pain can be used.
learning Assessment
Successful completion of “Integrating homeopathy into the management of acute otitis media in children” (401-000-10-002-H01-P) is worth one contact hour of credit. Mail completed answer sheet found in this issue to DrSN/ Pharmacy Practice, P.O. Box 31180, Tampa, FL 33631-3180. For faster service, fax to (813) 626-7203. For fastest service, visit our Web site at CEdrugstorenews.com.
1. The most common pathogen causing AOM in children is: a. Haemophilus influenzae b. Moraxella catarrhalis c. Respiratory synctitial virus d. Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. In some cases of AOM, no bacterial
or viral pathogen can be detected.
a. True
b. False
3. The introduction of the conjugate
pneumococcal vaccine in 2000 is not
considered to have had any impact on
the number of office visits for AOM.
a. True
b. False
4. The wait-and-see prescription (WASP):
a. Is not a policy practiced in countries
outside of the United States
b. States that all children with AOM
be observed for 48 to 72 hours
prior to beginning antibiotics
c. Recommends observation for 48 to
72 hours without the use of antibiotics
in certain children with AOM based
on diagnostic certainty, age, illness
severity and assurance of follow-up
d. Advises children with AOM be
treated with OTC medications
instead of antibiotics in the first 48
to 72 hours after diagnosis
5. Many children with uncomplicated
AOM recover from pain and fever
within 24 hours of diagnosis without
any antibiotic treatment.
a. True
b. False
6. The law of similars states that:
a. In homeopathy, diluted doses of
certain plant, mineral and vegetable
substances create a healing response
through the process of antigen-
antibody interaction, much like
vaccinations.
b. Homeopathic medications are
derived from herbal medications
and act in a manner similar to herbs.
c. All homeopathic medications are
regulated by the FDA.
d. A medicinal substance that can
create a set of symptoms in a
healthy individual can treat a sick
individual who is manifesting
similar symptoms.
7. The preparation of homeopathic
medications:
a. Involves a process of serial dilution
of common substances found in
nature in the plant, mineral and
animal kingdom
b. Is according to strict guidelines
found in the HPUS and regulated
by the FDA
c. Will vary from one manufacturer
to another in terms of methods of
preparation
d. Is the same as the preparation of
herbal medications
8. Homeopathic medications:
a. May not be administered alongside
conventional medication because
of drug-drug interactions
b. Are labeled with botanical names
and concentration in milligram
or grams similar to OTC botanical
or herbal products
c. Are labeled using botanical names
and will be listed with the dilution
or potency (i.e., 6X or 12C) often
with an HPUS designation.
d. Are essentially the same as herbal
or botanical medications
9. Single homeopathic medications:
a. Can be used in the WASP to treat
children who present with clear
symptom picture that matches
the picture of the homeopathic
medication
b. Can be used only in children
greater than 6 years of age or adults
c. Do not require consideration of
child-specific characteristics, such
as mood, behavior, etc.
d. Should never be recommended
10. Combination homeopathic
products:
a. Are stronger in concentration and
potency than single homeopathic
products
b. Contain the most commonly
indicated homeopathic
medications for many different
conditions
c. Cannot be used in children under
4 years of age
d. Should be used only when there
is a clear clinical picture indicating
a particular homeopathic medication
References:
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