DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN A SPECIAL NEWBORN CARE UNIT AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Drug utilization, neonatal intensive care, antimicrobials, preterm neonates, essential medicines, prescribing patterns
Abstract
Background: Neonates represent a vulnerable population with unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, making rational drug use crucial. Drug utilization studies in neonatal intensive care settings are essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. Objective of the study is to evaluate drug utilization patterns in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of a tertiary care hospital, assess routes and doses of drug administration, and compare drug utilization between preterm and term neonates.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over three months at the Centre of Excellence for Obstetrics and Neonatology, Government Medical College, Pudukkottai. A total of 150 neonates admitted to the SNCU who received pharmacological treatment were enrolled. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, medications prescribed, dosage, route, frequency, and duration were collected from drug charts and analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The mean number of drugs per neonate was 5.2 ± 2.1. Antimicrobials constituted 32.4% of all prescriptions, with Cefotaxime (38.2%) and Amikacin (24.6%) being most commonly used. Intravenous route was preferred in 89.3% of administrations. Preterm neonates received significantly more drugs (6.1 ± 2.3) compared to term neonates (4.5 ± 1.8) (p<0.001). Generic prescribing was observed in 76.8% of cases. Compliance with the National List of Essential Medicines was 84.2%. The overall survival rate was 96.6%.
Conclusion: This study reveals rational prescribing practices with predominant use of essential medicines and generic formulations. However, high antimicrobial usage warrants implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Preterm neonates demonstrated higher medication burden, emphasizing the need for specialized protocols and continuous monitoring of drug utilization patterns.
References
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Dr. MuthamizhVeena R
Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology Government Medical College Pudukottai
Dr Amudhan Arvind E
Associate Professor Department of Pharmacology Government Medical College The Nilgiris Udhagamandalam
Dr Peter R
Assistant Professor of Neonatology, Thanjavur Medical College.