RESUMO
Irrational prescribing is a global problem, particularly affecting the developing countries, including Pakistan. However, the extent and nature of the problem has not been adequately explored in this country. A pilot study was, therefore, undertaken in three major teaching hospital located in twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. 601 prescriptions from medical, paediatrics and psychiatry units of these hospital were randomly collected and analyzed to study the drug-use indicators defined by WHO. The mean number of drugs per prescription was found to be 2.97. Only 23.61% drugs were prescribed by their generic names. 80.25% of the prescribed drugs were from the National Essential Drug List of Pakistan. Use of injectable preparations was 17.12%. antimicrobials constituted 20.42% of the drugs prescribed, being frequently used in cases of acute respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. The average cost of treatment per day was Rs. 26.10 in the outdoor and Rs. 88.36 in indoors. Treatment did not correspond to the diagnosis in 24.63% of the cases. Doses of drugs were inappropriate in 30.62% prescription. Duration of treatment was not specified on a vast majority [73.38%] of the prescriptions. The data highlight the need for educational, managerial and regulatory interventions to rationalize the drug use in Pakistan