Evaluation of Drug Utilization Patterns and Prescribing Practices among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Observational Study

Authors

  • Jabeen Anjum Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Father Colombo Institute of Medical Science, Warangal, 506001, Telangana State, India. Author
  • Ayaprakash Konda Associate professor, Department of Pharmacology, Prathima Relief Institute of Medical Science, Mulugu road, Hanamkonda, Telangana state, 506001, India Author
  • Dr. P. Madhukar Rao Professor, Prathima Relief Institute of Medical Sciences, Warangal, 506001 Author

Keywords:

Drug utilization; prescribing pattern; rational drug use; polypharmacy; generic prescribing; antibiotics; tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Rational use of medicines is essential for ensuring effective, safe, and cost-effective healthcare. Evaluation of prescribing patterns through drug utilization studies helps identify inappropriate medication use, polypharmacy, antibiotic exposure, and areas requiring improvement in prescribing practices. This study was conducted to assess drug utilization patterns and prescribing practices among patients attending a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology of a tertiary care hospital. Prescription records of 400 patients were reviewed over a 12-month period from July 2023 to June 2024. Data regarding the number of medicines prescribed, therapeutic classes, generic versus brand-name prescribing, polypharmacy, antibiotic use, analgesic use, antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetic medicines, and other commonly prescribed drug categories were collected and analyzed. Prescribing indicators were evaluated using principles derived from World Health Organization prescribing indicators.

Results: Among 400 prescriptions analyzed, a total of 1,461 medicines were prescribed, with a mean of 3.65 ± 1.84 medicines per prescription. Generic prescribing was observed in 892 (61.1%) medicines, while 569 (38.9%) were prescribed by brand name. Polypharmacy (≥5 medicines per prescription) was identified in 110 (27.5%) prescriptions and showed a significant association with increasing age (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The study highlights important aspects of prescribing behaviour in a tertiary care setting, including moderate generic prescribing, considerable polypharmacy among elderly patients, and frequent use of commonly prescribed therapeutic classes.

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Published

2025-12-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 4 (2025): Volume 01 Issue 04 2025

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Jabeen Anjum, Ayaprakash Konda, & Dr. P. Madhukar Rao. (2025). Evaluation of Drug Utilization Patterns and Prescribing Practices among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL, MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES, 1(4), 33-43. https://ijcmhs.com/index.php/ijcmhs/article/view/42