Publication:

Drug utilization pattern in sick paediatric patients: analysis for rationality and other aspects

Background The aim of this research work was to study the drug utilization pattern in the indoor paediatric patients with specific objective to analyse the rationality status of prescriptions and other aspects.

Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months. We analysed 120 prescriptions for the rationality status and different other parameters using Phadke’s criteria and W.H.O. prescribing indicators.

Results In our study out of total 120 prescriptions; 90 were rational followed by semi-rational and irrational. Average number of drugs prescribed was 5.39 drugs per prescription. Out of total FDCs prescribed 30% were irrational. Most commonly prescribed drug was anti-bacterial. Among anti-bacterial, most commonly prescribed anti-bacterial was from the cephalosporin group; which is categorized as “WATCH” category in W.H.O.-EML for children, March 2017.

Conclusions Though the results in present study reflect rational prescribing in pediatric patients in our hospital set up, there is still scope of improvement in prescription habits like avoid prescribing unnecessary drugs and irrational FDCs. There is also need of prescribing by generic names.