Publication:

Drug utilization study in outpatient ophthalmology department of government medical college, Nellore, India

Background Drug utilization studies are an important part of rational use of drugs. This study was planned to assess drug utilization pattern in Ophthalmology outpatient department.

Methods After approval from Ethics Committee, 620 prescriptions were analyzed according to WHO drug indicators.

Results 2. 4 drugs were prescribed on an average per prescription. Antibiotics (49%) were the most commonly used drugs. Fluoroquinolones (54%) were frequently used. Topical route was preferred route of drug administration. Prescription of generic drugs was not optimal (13%). Duration of therapy was missing in many prescriptions.

Conclusions Generic prescribing can be improved. Duration of therapy should be mentioned in all prescriptions.