ABSTRACT

Background and objectives The irrational use of medication in pediatric patients is a widespread concern, particularly prevalent in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the rationality of drug use in the pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods The cross-sectional observational study involved data collection from 5401 prescriptions of patients attending pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The study included prescriptions for newly diagnosed or first-time patients under 18 years of age, each containing at least one drug. The World Health Organization’s prescribing indicators were used to assess rational drug use. Results Patients aged 1-5 years comprised 30% of the sample, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.44. Respiratory tract infections were the most common condition (48.33%). A total of 12,818 drugs were prescribed, with syrups being the most frequent dosage form (38.48%). Fixed- dose combinations were prescribed the most (31.95%). Average number of drugs per prescription was 2.3. 35% drugs were written using generic names with 82% prescribed from the essential drug list. Average percentage of antibiotics per prescription was 19.83%. Patientinformation was present in 96% of prescriptions, but many lacked complete patient history, allergy status, and doctor details. 68% of prescriptions were moderately legible, while 32% were fully legible. Conclusion Healthcare providers must be to encouraged and trained to adhere to clinical guidelines, use generics and write in capital letters or utilize typed prescriptions to promote rational therapeutics in pediatric settings. This study forms the foundation for policymakers and future interventions. Keywords: prescription pattern, prescribing drug use indicators, children, generic, legibility, medication error
Publication date: 01/12/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/December/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9640.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.12.9640