An Observational Study on Drug Utilization Pattern in Anaemic Pregnant Women in the Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Anemia is a disease that is more prevalent among pregnant women in India.

Objective: To Study the Drug Utilization Pattern, compare and evaluate better drug selection in Anaemic Pregnant Women.

Methodology: A total of 300 pregnant women ranging in the age group of 17 to 38 years and having 1 month to 9 months of pregnancy was included in a study. The medical records of patients were checked and information was recorded. The prescriptions were analyzed for drug utilization patterns. Statistical analysis was done.

Result: Out of all 300 pregnant women 176 patients having iron deficiency Anemia, 99 patients having sickle cell Anemia, 20 patients having folate deficiency Anemia, and the rest of the patients having Vitamin B12 deficiency or hemolytic or beta-thalassemia. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 3-4 and the average monthly cost per patient was 920.68 Rs. The most commonly prescribed drug was Vitamin C it is of Category C drug which could be harmful to the fetus followed by MVBC (Multivitamin B complex).

Conclusion: Anemia was commonly seen in 2nd trimester. Sickle cell Anemia was seen in 1/3rd of the patients. Study data highlights that Vitamin C, Calcium & Multivitamin B complex were the most prescribed drugs in anemic patients. Drugs prescribed were produced risk to the fetus according to USFDA criteria.