Drug pattern use during pregnancy: a prospective study at tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Pregnancy is a normal physiological state. It may be accompanied by some common conditions which may occur normally due to the physiological changes. For these, drug treatment may be necessary. Use of drug is of growing concern due to increased risk of teratogenicity. Hence use of safe drugs during pregnancy should be promoted. This study aims to study and evaluate the pattern of drug use in women attending the antenatal clinic. Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics & Gynecology out Patients department in BRIMS Teaching Hospital for a period of 3 months. All new antenatal cases reporting to outpatient department were included. Data were then analysed for drug use pattern, WHO core drug prescribing indicators and also according to FDA drug risk category and trimester wise drug use pattern. Results: It was observed that most common complaint was epigastric distress. Iron, calcium and Antacids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. 79% drugs were prescribed from essential drug list and 100% were given by generic name. Out of 3857 drugs prescribed 48.35% belonged to Cat A, 50.35% to Cat B and only 1.3% to Cat C and none of the drugs belonging to Cat D were prescribed. Conclusions: Overall drug use pattern is rational with few exceptions. Majority of the drugs prescribed are as per FDA category B. This type of study can help in evaluating the existing drug use pattern and in planning appropriate interventions to ensure rational drug therapy.