Abstract:
Background: Drug utilization studies may help to measure various aspects such as disease pattern, medicine use, and
prescribing patterns. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of antimicrobials
prescribed to the pediatric inpatients at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was prospective
and observational based involving 200 pediatric inpatients of Parul Sevashram Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. Relevant
information was obtained from the interview as well the hospital case record. Structured and pre-tested formats were
prepared for compiling the data. Results: The majority of the patients (43.5%) were in the age group between 2 and
12 years. The most common indications for antimicrobial use included gastrointestinal diseases (22%), respiratory diseases
(17.5%), and genitourinary diseases (13.5%). Cephalosporins (65.5%) were most frequently prescribed antimicrobials
followed by aminoglycosides (40%). 73.3% of antimicrobials were prescribed by branded names. The average number of
antimicrobials prescribed per patient was 2.21. 93.4% of antimicrobials have been included in the World Health Organization
Model List of Essential Medicines. A total of 13 adverse drug reactions were reported from prescribed antimicrobials.
Conclusions: Medicine utilization assessment can facilitate rational use of medicines in pediatric patients.
