Background: Data regarding local drug prescribing are scarce, especially in pediatric population. Evaluation of prescriptions will be helpful in promoting rational prescribing, minimizing adverse effects and should also provide cost-effective care.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) To analyze the prescriptions based on the World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators and (ii) to suggest modifications, if necessary in prescribing patterns.
Materials and Methods: A prospective and observational study was conducted for a period of 1 year after obtaining institutional ethical committee approval. A total of 210 prescriptions of children aged 018 years were analyzed according to the WHO prescribing indicators.
Results: Average number of drugs prescribed per prescription was 1.89 and average number of antibiotics prescribed per prescription was 0.70. About 23.80% of drugs were prescribed by generic name. About 18.09% of drugs were given through injectable route. All drugs (100%) were prescribed from the National List of Essential Medicines, 2015. About 87.89% of children received monotherapy (single antibiotic), whereas polytherapy (more than one antibiotic) was prescribed only in 12.11% of the prescriptions analyzed.
Conclusion: This study indicates that prescriptions in pediatric population having respiratory tract infections were found to be in accordance with the WHO indicators. However, there is under usage of generic drugs.
Key words: Prescription Analysis; World Health Organization Core Prescribing Indicators; Respiratory Tract Infections; Pediatric
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