Prescription and cost-analysis of antiemetic medication use in pediatric wards: a prospective observational study .

ABSTRACT

Background: Use of anti-emetic drugs in pediatric population is often warranted, but choice of drug remains questionable within pediatricians. Objective of current study is to study prescribing pattern and to calculate cost of antiemetic drug therapy in pediatric wards. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in pediatric wards of a tertiary care hospital of over 14 month’s duration. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained and written informed consent of parents/guardians was taken. Data of any pediatric patient receiving anti-emetic agent were included in the study. Results: A total of 218 prescriptions were collected. Mean age of patients was 4.39±3.16 (range 4 months to 12 years). Gastroenteritis was the most frequently diagnosed disease in 137(63%) patients. Domperidone was prescribed in 52.4% and ondansetron in 47.6% children. Oral liquid dosage formulation was prescribed in 109 (48.4%) followed by solid dosage form 47 (20.9%). Mean cost of domperidone therapy was 25.34±6.55 INR and for ondansetron it was 36.62±17.94 INR. Conclusions: Gastroenteritis was most frequent indication for use of anti-emetics. Domperidone pharmacotherapy was cheaper and most frequently prescribed than ondansetron.