Drug utilization pattern in ENT outpatient department in tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Background: Drug utilization study is one of the most potent tool to promote rational drug use in medical, social, and economic scenario. Very less or no study has been done in Southern Rajasthan, hence this study shows valuable insights in Drug Utilization pattern. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern in ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient department (OPD) in M.B. government hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was done in ENT OPD for a period of 9 months. Total 445 prescriptions were taken into consideration. All patients of the age group 18 years and above were included in the study. Results: Of total 445 cases, maximum number of patients (7.19%) suffered from bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media and minimum (2.02%) from eustachian tube block. A total number of drugs prescribed were 60. Maximum utilized drug was ibuprofen and minimum was Acyclovir. Mean number of drugs prescribed were 2.615. Maximum drugs were given by oral route and minimum as gargles. Total prescribed drugs were 1164. Most common prescribed drug group was NSAIDS (23.19%). Total cost of therapy was 58,584, cost per patient was122.6. Prescribed daily dose/defined daily dose ratio was calculated for antibiotics. Conclusion: Study shows rational drug prescribing. Account of Alternative medicine was taken in consideration, isolation of microorganisms prior drug prescribing was not done.