European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG USE PATTERN IN PAEDIATRICS USING WHO PRESCRIBING INDICATORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Shyam Nandan Yadav, Dr. Beulah Milton* and Dr. Amit Kumar Pandit

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Drugs use should be rational in specialized population, especially in pediatrics. Hence the present study was conducted in order to study the drug use patterns in pediatric population using WHO prescribing indicators. Methodology: A Prospective observational study was carried out in 160 patients for a period of 6 months at a tertiary care hospital. Results and Discussion: The male patients were more than female patients. Majority of the Pediatric patients were in the age group between 1 to 3 years. Most of the patients were suffering from gastrointestinal diseases followed by lower respiratory tract infections. The drugs in pediatrics were mostly prescribed by parenteral route. The classes of drugs commonly prescribed were antibiotics followed by bronchodilators. The number of drugs per prescription was found to be with a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5. Most of the drugs were prescribed by brand name. Overuse of antibiotics can result in adverse events and detrimental effects on the gut microbiata. Increased use of parenteral treatment can lead to pain on injection site and cause difficulty in reversing its physiological effects. The number of drugs prescribed for pediatrics should be reduced as prescribing many drugs will lead to polypharmacy, drug interaction and drug related problems. Prescribing by generic name should be encouraged. Rational drug use and evidence based medicine should be instituted. Conclusion: There was noncompliance seen with the WHO prescribing indicators. Periodic evaluation of drug use patterns is needed in pediatrics to improve the therapeutic benefits and reduce adverse effects.

Keywords: Pediatrics, drug use patterns, World Health Organization Prescribing Indicators.