Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO IDENTIFY DRUG THERAPY PROBLEM IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Viresh K. Chandur, Fathima Suhana*, Christy T. Chacko and A. R. Shabaraya

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Abstract

Drugs plays an important role in treating diseases and improving health. However, inappropriate drug use can lead to the occurrence of Drug therapy problems (DTPs). Factors that contribute for occurrence of drug therapy problems in pediatric patients involve such as polypharmacy, certain infectious & parasitic diseases, type of admission. The present study was an prospective observational study conducted in Tertiary care hospital for a period of 6 months and had an objective to identify the disease and the drug category which Are prevalent with drug therapy problem in pediatric patients. Patients of both sexes between age group of 1 month-17 years with any illness were included in the study of the 150 patients, 88 were male and 62 were female. The current study revealed that infectious diseases (55.93%) and antibiotics (55%) drug therapy which has highest prevalence of causing drug therapy problem. The finding revealed that the infectious disease was the major category of diseases linked to the DTP’s and Antibiotics to be the major class of drugs associated with the DTP’s. Clinical pharmacists can play major role in promoting better medication use and ensuring that the Paediatric patients receive appropriate medications for their conditions.

Keywords: Drug therapy problems, paediatrics, prevalent.