Drug utilization study in antenatal clinic of Obstetrics Gynaecology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital attached with Medical College

The principal aim of drug utilization research is to facilitate the rational use of drugs in populations. Pregnancy is a special physiological condition. Careful consideration of the benefit to the mother and the risk to the foetus is required while prescribing drugs during pregnancy.

Present study was Prospective, non-interventional & observational study conducted among 711 antenatal women in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dept. during October 2014 to September 2015.

Out of 711 antenatal women majority 328 (46.13%) were in the age group of 22–25 years. Majority 568 (79.89%) of antenatal women were having mild anaemia while 21 (2.95%) were having moderate anaemia and majority of antenatal women were suffering from nausea and vomiting (12.37%) followed by pre-eclampsia (5.90%) and fever (3.79%). Most commonly prescribed drug was ferrous sulphate in 545 encounter followed by calcium, and vitamin B-complex same encounter 543. Total prescribed drug were 2661, from this most commonly prescribed drug class was miscellaneous about 1628 (61.18%) drugs. Most commonly prescribed Drug in 1st trimester was folic acid 167 (97.6%) while in 2^nd and 3^rd trimester it was ferrous sulphate 269 (98.89%)and 265 (98.88%) respectively. Average number of drugs prescribed was 3.74. Majority 2395 (90%) of drugs prescribed by generic name. Most of the prescribed drugs were belongs to FDA category A (91.13%).

Most commonly prescribed drugs for antenatal women were ferrous sulphate, calcium, and vitamin B-complex by oral route.