STUDY OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAMMU (INDIA).

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of literature regarding rational prescribing practices especially during postnatal period.It was found worthwhile to assess the drug utilization patterns during postpartum period.It is known fact that the drugs prescribed during postnatal period have significant impact on the health of both mother and child. Material and Methods:A total of 1300 prescriptions of the patients which include 552 caesarian sections (cs) and 748 pervaginal (pv) delivery were randomly selected and studied. Results:It was recorded that the average number of drugs prescribed per prescription were 6.01 in cs patients and 10.95 in pv delivery group.The most commonly drugs that were prescribed were Antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, nutritional supplements (iron, calcium, multivitamins), H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).In addition the other drugs included were oxytocin,prostaglandins,uetrine relaxants,antihyperttensives,bronchodilators,benzodiazepines,antifungal agents and antiepileptics.It was also found that 36.88%,16.75%,80.71% and 6.33% drugs prescribed were fixed dose combinations,generics,essential drugs and off label respectively in cs patients.Whereas, 42.96%, 13.23%, 78.81% and 8.2% drugs prescribed were fixed dose combinations, generic, essential drugs and off label respectively in pv patients. Conclusion: The results of this study reveals that there is need for educating prescribers regarding rational prescribing practices, especially during postnatal period when health of both infant and mother is at stake.