Paediatrics

Question 1

What is the first-line medication for mild allergic reactions in children?

Answer 1

Cetirizine (oral)

Dosing varies by age: 6 months-2 years: 250mcg/kg BD (max 2.5mg BD), 2-6 years: 2.5mg BD, 6-12 years: 5mg BD, >12 years: 10mg OD.

Question 2

What is the recommended dose of IM Adrenaline for children under 6 years in anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

<6 years: 150mcg (0.15mL of 1:1000)

Repeat every 5 minutes if necessary; call 999.

Question 3

What is the first-line medication for an acute asthma attack in children aged 2-5 years?

Answer 3

Salbutamol (MDI + spacer)

2-5 years: 2–6 puffs (100mcg/puff), repeat every 20 minutes if needed, max 10 puffs.

Question 4

What is the dose of oral Prednisolone for treating severe asthma in children?

Answer 4

1-2mg/kg OD for 3 days (max 40mg per dose)

Continue until symptoms are controlled.

Question 5

What should be done for mild croup with no stridor at rest?

Answer 5

Supportive care

Fluids and comfort; no medication needed.

Question 6

What is the first-line antibiotic for Acute Otitis Media in children aged 1-5 years?

Answer 6

Amoxicillin (oral)

1-5 years: 250mg TDS for 5 days.

Question 7

When should antibiotics be prescribed for tonsillitis in children?

Answer 7

If Centor >3 or FeverPAIN >4

Only if criteria are met.

Question 8

What is the first-line treatment for lower urinary tract infection in children over 3 months?

Answer 8

Nitrofurantoin

1mg/kg BD for 3 days.

Question 9

What is the first-line medication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in infants?

Answer 9

Gaviscon Infant (thickener)

<4.5kg: 1 sachet per feed, >4.5kg: 2 sachets per feed.

Question 10

What is the first-line laxative for paediatric constipation according to NICE guidelines?

Answer 10

Macrogol (Movicol)

1-6 years: 1 sachet OD (max 4), >6 years: 2 sachets OD (max 8).

Question 11

What is the first-line drug for mild pain or fever in children?

Answer 11

Paracetamol

15mg/kg QDS (max 1g per dose).

Question 12

What should be avoided in children with dehydration?

Answer 12

NSAIDs

Avoid Ibuprofen in dehydration.

Question 13

What is the maximum dose of Morphine for severe pain in children?

Answer 13

200-400mcg/kg QDS

Avoid codeine in children under 12 years due to poor metabolism.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Always use _______ dosing in paediatric prescribing.

Answer 14

weight-based

Check BNF for Children.

Question 15

True or False: Antibiotics should be prescribed for all cases of Acute Otitis Media.

Answer 15

False

Most cases resolve without antibiotics.