Off-label medication use in pediatrics and associated factors at public hospitals in east Gojjam zone, Ethiopia.

Almost one-third of pediatric prescriptions contained off-label medication. Only a small number of healthcare workers had taken training on pediatric off-label medications. Lack of sufficient information on risks of off-label medication, shortage of pediatric medication, and suitable pediatric dosage forms were associated with the use of off-label medication compared to non-use. Further research should be done on the long-term effects associated with off-label prescribing in pediatrics to assess whether the potential risks are balanced with the therapeutical benefit.