A Study of Drug Utilization in Mandalay General Hospital

ABSTRACT

A durg utilization study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of drug prescribing in Myanmar. The case records of 1130 admissions in a medical ward were analysed retrospectively with regard to utilisation of drugs. Drugs were classified according to WHO therapeutic categories. The study revealed that 185 therapeutic agents were prescribed during the study period and the average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 5.03. While drug prescribing pattem in relation to age was similar to those of other countries over prescribing, as detemined by the number of drugs prescribed per pattent, was observed. The three most often used drug categories ware anti-infectives followed by vitamins, and solutions correcting water and electrolyte disturbances. Among anti-infectives, Penicillins were the most commonly used drug group while tetracyclline was the most frequently used individual drug. Irrational use of tetracycline was discussed.