Parental practices and perspectives on unused pediatric medications at home: A community-based cross-sectional study in Burdur-Türkiye

There are significant amounts of unused medicines at homes and the amounts of used and unused medicines are close to each other. Self-medication is a common behavior in opinion and practice among parents, and the findings regarding antibiotics are remarkable. Reported behaviors and viewpoints concerning unused medications among adults show parallels with the findings of this study regarding pediatric pharmaceuticals, which is a concerning situation. Since medication storage areas are largely accessible to children, precautions should be taken against potential risks. Information on unused pediatric pharmaceuticals should be added to trainings on drug use. Individuals, expectant mothers, pregnant women and mothers should be informed about pediatric pharmaceuticals. An economical and efficient drug take-back system should be established.