Abstract

Background: Rational use of medicines (RUMs) aims at evaluating the accessibility, availability, and correct prescribing of drugs. In developing countries like India, where financial resources are scarce and affordability of patients is less, implementation of RUM becomes important.

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to evaluate the prescribing patterns and rationality of antimicrobial agents and analgesics using the World Health Organization/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD) prescribing indicators and Phadke’s criteria in the department of orthopedics.

Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in the department of Orthopedics. 300 patients were included in the study. The patients’ data were collected from case sheets of in-patients and recorded in a structured case record form. Prescribing patterns of drugs were analyzed using WHO/INRUD prescribing indicators and Phadke’s criteria for rationality of prescriptions.

Results: 70% of analgesics prescribed were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by 24% opioid analgesics. Among antimicrobials, 59% were beta-lactams and aminoglycosides (28%). Cephalosporins (65%) were the most prescribed beta-lactam. Average number of drugs per prescription was 5.6 ± 2.2 (mean ± SD). Number of drugs administered by parenterally was 87%. Drugs prescribed by generic name and from essential medicine list were 66.4% and 85%, respectively.

Conclusion: Choosing appropriate drug from essential drug list and prescribing by generic name would help in rational usage of drugs for better quality care of patients. Drug utilization studies aim to provide feedback to the prescriber and create an awareness about RUM.

Key words: Prescribing Patterns; Drug Utilization; Antimicrobial Agents; Analgesics; Rationality; Phadke’s Criteria