Pattern Of Prescription And Utilization Of Off-Label And Unlicensed Drugs Among Pediatric Patients Attending Outpatients Department Of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Of Gujarat State

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the pattern of prescription and utilization of off-label and unlicensed drugs among pediatric patients attending outpatients department of tertiary care teaching hospital of Gujarat state. AMethods: prospective study was conducted for 6 months among 140 pediatric patients attending outpatient department of Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Dharpur, Patan. The demographic details and complete prescription were noted in predesigned form. The off-label drugs were categorized by using National Formulary of India. Off-label drugs were classified by using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. Out of 481Results: drugs prescribed, the pattern of distribution of off-label and unlicensed drugs were 215(44.7%) and 3(0.6%) respectively. Majority (n=151, 70.2%) of off-label drugs prescribed among 1-12 years age group. Most of off-label drugs were prescribed for indication of respiratory system (68%). The findings of this study showed a highConclusion: incidence of off-label prescribing mainly antibiotics for respiratory disease