Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION STUDY AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS MONITORING IN PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Rajesh Mailagire*, Padmini Karewad, Minal Jain and Rajesh S. Hiray

ABSTRACT

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) complicates 6-10% of pregnancies. The outcome of the pregnancy can be greatly influenced by the raised blood pressure (BP equal to or above 140/90 mm of Hg). If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications for both mother and her infant. In most cases, however, hypertension is preventable and treatable. Treatment of PIH depends on blood pressure levels, gestational age, presence of symptoms and associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional, observational study of utilisation of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders done in OBGY inpatient of a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected from prescriptions of 157 patients and evaluated for WHO Drug Use Indicators and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR). Results: A total of 1586 medications were prescribed in the 157 prescriptions. The total number of drugs per prescription was10.11± 3.91 (mean ± SD). Out of 1586 medications, 1437 drugs (90.49%) were prescribed by their generic names and 980 drugs (62%) were prescribed from the national list of essential medicines (NLEM). 86.82% drugs were available in hospital pharmacy. 301 drugs (19 %) were prescribed as a fixed drug combination. ADR was noted by 3 drugs in 7 participants. Calcium lactate was the most commonly associated drug with ADR. Conclusion: Current study highlighted the prescribing trends in patients of pregnancy induced hypertensive disorder. Prescribing drugs by generic name and from essential drug list should be promoted as it encourages affordable healthcare. Proper medication and good nutrition are essential for good outcomes in pregnant females with hypertension.

Keywords: Drug utilization, Adverse drug reaction, Pregnancy, Hypertension.