ABSTRACT:
Aim and Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prescribing pattern of drugs among pregnant women in antenatal ward of Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital, Ayanavaram, Chennai. Methods and Materials: A retrospective study was conducted in 100 pregnant women for a period of 6-months. Each prescription was analyzed for demographic variables, various categories of drugs prescribed and individual drugs prescribed in that category. Results: In the present study, vitamin and mineral supplements (67%) were the most commonly prescribed category followed by Intravenous fluids (12%) and anti-emetics (7%). Among vitamin and mineral supplements, folic acid (31%) was the most commonly prescribed drugs. Ringer lactate (58%) was the most commonly prescribed IVF. Ondansetron (57%) was the most commonly prescribed anti-emetic. Most commonly prescribed anti-microbial agents were Metronidazole and Mebendazole (22% each). According to teratogenic risk, Category-B (45%) was highest. The percentage of injections prescribed was 22%. Conclusion: The present study showed that vitamin and mineral supplements were the most commonly prescribed drugs, anti-biotics were less used. Prescription by generic name was high and most of the drugs prescribed were from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) which represents rational prescription. Utilization of category B drugs must be decreased and avoidance of category D drugs is recommended.