Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG UTILISATION PATTERN DURING PREGNANCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Jophy Samuel*, Arathy R., Pathymmachi Shyma, Lilly M. Raju and Arun J. L.

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Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The principle aim of this study is the assessment of drug utilization pattern during pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 pregnant women. Statistical analysis was performed to assess whether the drugs were being used appropriately, safely and effectively. Result: A total of 100 cases of pregnant women were analyzed. Among the 732 drugs prescribed, the mean number of drugs per prescription was found to be 7.38. Percentage of encounters with an injection was 39.08%, antibiotics was 15.67%. The percentage of drugs prescribed in generic name was 38.26 and 89.39% were prescribed from the Kerala essential medicine list. The drugs were classified according to USFDA pregnancy risk category with 24.9% drugs from category A, 50.2% from category B, 18.23% from category C and 6.67% drugs from category X. A statistically significant difference was seen with mode of delivery and body mass index in pregnancy. The maternal body mass index was higher for pregnant women who underwent Caesarean section. Conclusion: The study depicts the current health scenario of pregnant women in Kerala and prescribing pattern in pregnancy.

Keywords: Drug Utilization Evaluation, WHO Prescribing Indicators, USFDA risk category, Pregnancy, Drug Utilization Pattern.