Abstract

Background: Drug is an active chemical molecule used for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a disease. Drug utilization study is a potential tool in the evaluating the health-care system of a country since drug therapy accounts for major health expenditure. These studies also facilitate rational use of drugs among people of various age groups.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the utilization pattern of drugs in the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) and also to analyze drug prescribing indicators of the World Health Organization.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) of Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Chennai for one month during October 2014. A total of 600 prescriptions were collected. Patient-related information and drug-related information were analyzed. Drug prescribing indicators of the World Health Organization were also analyzed.

Results: The most common age group was 1–6 years. Average number of drug per prescription was 1.96. Antimicrobial agents were most commonly prescribed drugs. About 93.6% of them were generic drugs. About 90.33% of drugs were from National Essential Medicine List 2011.

Conclusion: This study helps us to identify potential targets so as to make improvement in prescribing and dispensing policies of drugs in the hospital.

Key words: Drug Utilization Study; World Health Organization Core Drug Prescribing Indicators; Antimicrobial Agents; Essential Medicine List