Potentially Hazardous Drugs in the Paediatric ICU: A Narrative Review on the Exemplary Cases of Propofol, Chloramphenicol, and Acetylsalicylic Acid
This narrative review highlights the significant risks associated with the use of chloramphenicol, ASA, and propofol in paediatric intensive care settings. Their potential for life-threatening and severe adverse reactions emphasises the need for cautious and informed use. Clinicians must carefully consider the risks and benefits of these drugs. To minimise adverse events, strict monitoring, dose adjustments, and the use of safer alternatives are essential. However, it appears that their use in well-defined circumstances in acute illness in children is still warranted. The findings of this narrative review underscore the need for further research to focus on identifying high-risk biomarkers, genetic predispositions, and safer alternatives to improve evidence-based guidelines and reduce morbidity and mortality in paediatric intensive care.
Authors
- Eva van Zanten (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3870-6363)
- Vera Saldien (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5151-8999)
- Jozef De Dooy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0969-5473)
- P Jorens
- Joery Verbruggen
- Miranda Wiggelinkhuizen
- T Peroś (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6122-8127)
- Laura Beckers
Institutions
- University of Antwerp (BE)
- Antwerp University Hospital (BE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Children
- Published
- 2026-04-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/children13040579
- Primary Topic
- Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00