DRUG PRESCRIBING PATTERNS DURING ANTENATAL CARE IN A TERTIARY CARE RURAL TEACHING HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Context: Drug treatment during pregnancy presents a special concern. All drugs should not be avoided. A better knowledge of parameters that determine teratogenicity may allow the physicians gain confidence. Aims: This study was conducted to understand the drug utilization practices during pregnancy in women from rural areas and poor socioeconomic background; classify them according to US-FDA category for determining the teratogenic potential; to provide feedback and recommendations to the health care providers. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at rural tertiary hospital. Methods and Material: Case record forms of 300 patients admitted to the obstetrics ward from September to November 2009 were analyzed for demographic details, drug prescriptions and drug utilization patterns. The teratogenic potential of drugs was analyzed according to US-FDA risk categories for drugs and medication. Statistical analysis used: Statistical software SPSS was used for analysis. Results: Maximum prescriptions happened in the second trimester of pregnancy. Vitamins, mineral and nutritional supplements were prescribed in almost 100% cases. The patients receiving more than 3 drugs had co-morbidity. Though 100% cases had frequency of medications written, dose and duration was written in less than 50%. Fixed Dose Combination commonly prescribed was iron & folic acid supplement. Drugs from Category A-D were prescribed depending on the clinical condition of the patients. Antibacterials and antacids were the most commonly prescribed (25%) followed by antihistaminics (17%) and antiallergics (11%). Conclusions: Careful prescription behaviour to the pregnant women under antenatal care visiting a tertiary care rural hospital was noted.