Volume : 13, Issue : 09, September – 2026
Title:
EVALUATION OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT A SECONDARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors :
Mohamed Adnan P K, Rajapriya M, Ranjith M, Ravindar M, Roja C2, Sakthi M
Abstract :
Background: Drug utilization research is an essential component of pharmacoepidemiology that evaluates the prescribing, dispensing, and use of medicines in a defined population. Pregnancy is a unique physiological condition requiring cautious medication use because drugs may influence both maternal health and fetal development. Despite the increasing availability of evidence-based guidelines, irrational prescribing and exposure to potentially harmful medications remain concerns in developing countries. Therefore, periodic assessment of prescribing practices is necessary to promote rational drug use and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern, prescribing practices, therapeutic drug classes, routes of administration, and safety profile of medications prescribed to pregnant women attending a secondary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a secondary care hospital over six months. Medical records and prescriptions of 150 pregnant women were reviewed. Data regarding demographic characteristics, gravidity, trimester, maternal illnesses, therapeutic drug classes, routes of administration, and FDA pregnancy risk categories were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 150 pregnant women, 44.6% belonged to the 26–30 years age group, while 55.3% were primigravidae. Most women (88%) were in the third trimester. Iron and vitamin deficiency (40%) was the predominant maternal condition. Oral administration represented 58.24% of all medications, followed by intravenous administration (39.24%). Nutritional supplements, antibiotics (17.11%), antiulcer drugs (13.81%), analgesic-antipyretics (11.85%), antihypertensives (8.47%), and antiemetics (8.32%) were the most commonly prescribed medications. Most prescribed drugs belonged to FDA pregnancy Categories A and B. Conclusion: The prescribing practices were largely rational and consistent with standard treatment guidelines. Continuous prescription auditing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and regular drug utilization studies are essential to ensure safe pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.
Keywords: Drug utilization study, Pregnancy, Prescribing pattern, Rational drug use, FDA pregnancy category, Maternal health, Obstetrics, Pharmacoepidemiology.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Mohammed Adnan P K et al., Evaluation Of Drug Utilization Patterns In Pregnant Women At A Secondary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study.,. Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(10).
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