ASSESSMENT OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN AND TERATOGENICITY RISK AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, ANDHRA PRADESH

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the drug utilization pattern and teratogenicity risk among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital, Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on antenatal women (total=1163) more than 18 years of age attending the antenatal clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) Department. Demographic and pregnancy-related details were collected in case-record forms. Each prescription prescribed was assessed as per USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) categorization of drugs for use in pregnancy and WHO (World Health Organisation) core prescribing indicators. The resultant data was analyzed using MS Excel 2007 and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, version 21. Qualitative variables were expressed as percentages and Inter-group comparison was done using Chi-square test. For all statistical analysis, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the total number of drugs used, Category A drugs were the most common (75.5 %) followed by Category B (17.5 %), Category C (5.28 %), Category D (1.55 %) and Category X (0.17 %) respectively. Category B and Category C drugs were given more commonly in IPD (Inpatient Department) patients than OPD (Outpatient Department) patients respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed that as there has been usage (though less) of Category D and X drugs in pregnant women, chances of teratogenicity cannot be ruled out in the offsprings. Also, medications should be prescribed in accordance with WHO indicators to ensure rational drug therapy.