Affiliation:
1. Associate Professor,Department of Pharmacology,College of Dental Science & Research Centre,Manipur,Ahmedabad.
2. Professor,Department of Public Health Dentistry, Siddhpur Dental College & Hospital,Siddhpur.
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. Methods: A
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. Results: Out of 481
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%). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a high
incidence of off-label prescribing mainly antibiotics for respiratory disease.
Subject
Genetics,Pathology and Forensic Medicine,Law,Pathology and Forensic Medicine,General Medicine,Pathology and Forensic Medicine,Psychiatry and Mental health,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Anthropology,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous),Pathology and Forensic Medicine,Analytical Chemistry,Law,Psychiatry and Mental health,Applied Psychology,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,General Computer Science,General Mathematics,Insect Science,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,General Physics and Astronomy