Homeopathic Medicines for Children
Homeopathic Medicines for Children
This article describes the homeopathic tradition and considers the safety, manufacture, effectiveness and regulation of homeopathic medicines. These medicines are commonly purchased without prescription for children, so an understanding of the basis of therapy is important to ensure appropriate and safe usage. The role of integrated medicine in the National Health Service is also reviewed with identification of research priorities.
Homeopathy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In 2007 it supported an industry worth £37 million in the UK (US$62 million), a relatively small amount in view of its popularity in France, Germany and Italy. Many families purchase homeopathy products as self-help remedies over the counter in pharmacies. Homeopathic products are used in this way by 10–18% of parents to treat minor paediatric self-limiting conditions such as teething, bruises and colic. Use in allergic diseases such as eczema and asthma may be considerably higher. Homeopathy is used in preschool children to complement allopathic medicines; its use is associated with higher maternal education, other CAM usage and childhood allergies. Among general practitioners, homeopathic prescribing is highest in children under 12 months of age. Despite its popularity, up to two-thirds of parents will not disclose CAM use to their doctors as they consider that their doctors do not need to know. Direct questions about the use of CAM therapy when taking a history reveal not only what therapies have been accessed, but also why these therapies have been sought.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
This article describes the homeopathic tradition and considers the safety, manufacture, effectiveness and regulation of homeopathic medicines. These medicines are commonly purchased without prescription for children, so an understanding of the basis of therapy is important to ensure appropriate and safe usage. The role of integrated medicine in the National Health Service is also reviewed with identification of research priorities.
Introduction
Homeopathy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In 2007 it supported an industry worth £37 million in the UK (US$62 million), a relatively small amount in view of its popularity in France, Germany and Italy. Many families purchase homeopathy products as self-help remedies over the counter in pharmacies. Homeopathic products are used in this way by 10–18% of parents to treat minor paediatric self-limiting conditions such as teething, bruises and colic. Use in allergic diseases such as eczema and asthma may be considerably higher. Homeopathy is used in preschool children to complement allopathic medicines; its use is associated with higher maternal education, other CAM usage and childhood allergies. Among general practitioners, homeopathic prescribing is highest in children under 12 months of age. Despite its popularity, up to two-thirds of parents will not disclose CAM use to their doctors as they consider that their doctors do not need to know. Direct questions about the use of CAM therapy when taking a history reveal not only what therapies have been accessed, but also why these therapies have been sought.
