Analysis of Drug Utilization Patterns and Prescribing Practices in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a Tertiary Care Facility in North India: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
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Abstract
Background: Rational use of medicines (RUM) is crucial for optimal patient care and efficient utilization of healthcare resources. In obstetrics and gynecology, inappropriate prescribing practices can lead to significant health hazards and resources wastage. This study analyses drug utilization patterns and prescribing practices in a tertiary care hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department to evaluate adherence to RUM principles. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacology at Sharda Medical School of Research and associated Sharda Hospital, North India, over six months. The prescriptions were analyzed by the WHO/International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) core drug use prescribing indicators and complementary indices. Results: The study analyzed 609 prescriptions, comprising 1,595 drugs. The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.62. Generic prescribing was low (22.4%), and antibiotic encounters were high (36.5%), highlighting the need for antimicrobial stewardship. Injectable prescriptions accounted for 9.85% of encounters. Only 42% of drugs were from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). Polypharmacy (>4 drugs) was observed in 11% of prescriptions, and 22.4% of prescriptions included fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for interventions to enhance generic prescribing, rational antimicrobial use, and adherence to essential drug lists. Continuous prescription audits and educational programs are recommended to promote RUM in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Geeta Katheit Rai, Dr. Deepali Raina, Dr. Niket Rai, Dr. Nidhi Maheshwari
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons License All articles published in Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Dr. Deepali Raina, Assistant Professor, Department of OBGY, School of Medical Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
Assistant Professor, Department of OBGY, School of Medical Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
Dr. Niket Rai, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, L. N., Medical College & J. K. Hospital, Bhopal, MP 462046, India.
Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, L. N., Medical College & J. K. Hospital, Bhopal, MP 462046, India.
Dr. Nidhi Maheshwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
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