Prescription pattern of drugs used in pediatric patients of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Irrational prescription of drugs leads to increased occurrence of adverse drug reactions, prolonged hospitalization, and increases the economic burden for the patients. Children are the most vulnerable group affected by the irrational prescription of drugs. Hence, it is essential to follow rational prescription practices for better safety of children. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prescription patterns of drug utilization in pediatric patients admitted in the tertiary care hospital and to identify the potential targets in improving drug prescription pattern. Materials and Methods: Prescriptions data were collected from the minimal residual disease. Results: Among 1038 prescriptions, the majority of prescriptions were female patients followed by male patients. Furthermore, most of the commonly prescribed group of drug was nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (18%) and antimicrobial (17%). Most of the drugs prescribed, using generic names were of 76% from the essential drug list. Most of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs were used for the common cold (76) and antibiotic drugs accounted were of 42 of the prescription. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that the usage of antibiotics and its dosage forms are compliant with the WHO prescription indicators. However, there is a need to improve the prescription pattern of generic drugs and FDC.