Objective: To provide references for the selection of digestive system medicines in National List of Essential Medicines for children. Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted to compare the similarities and differences between the 7th edition of World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (WHO-EMLc) and the 2018 edition of National Essential Medicines List (NEML) in terms of classification

quantity

dosage form

specification

symbol

etc. Besides

the marketing situation of digestive system medicines included in WHO-EMLc and NEML in China was compared

and the regulations on children’s usage in domestic medicine specifications of digestive system medicines included in NEML were investigated. Results: In WHO-EMLc and NEML

digestive system medicines with the same generic name were Omeprazole

Ranitidine and Metoclopramide. Compared with NEML

the dosage form and specification of digestive system medicines in WHO-EMLc were more specific

and symbols of efficacy and safety

age restrictions and precautions were marked in WHO-EMLc. The marketed dosage forms of digestive system medicines in the two lists were mainly ordinary dosage forms in China

and relatively few dosage forms were suitable for children. And 55. 17% of digestive system medicines included in NEML prescribed the usage and dosage for children in domestic medicine specifications. Conclusion: The selection of digestive system essential medicines for children in our country could be carried out on the basis of WHO-EMLc and NEML

and scientific research and development of special digestive system medicines for children should be further encouraged

so as to ensure the safety

effectiveness

accessibility and compliance of medication for children.