Prescription and cost-analysis of antiemetic medication use in pediatric wards: a prospective observational study

Authors

  • Maulik M. Patel Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam - 507002, A.P, India
  • Devang A. Rana Department of Pharmacology, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India
  • Varsha J. Patel Department of Pharmacology, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India
  • Manish Patel Department of Community Medicine, BJMC, Ahmedabad - 380016, Gujarat, India

Keywords:

Anti-emetic, Children, Drug utilization, Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Background: Use of anti-emetic drugs in pediatric population is often warranted, but choice of drug remains questionable within pediatricians. Objective of current study is: to study prescribing pattern and to calculate cost of antiemetic drug therapy in pediatric wards.

Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in pediatric wards of a tertiary care hospital of over 14 month’s duration. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained and written informed consent of parents/guardians was taken. Data of any pediatric patient receiving anti-emetic agent were included in the study.

Results: A total of 218 prescriptions were collected. Mean age of patients was 4.39±3.16 (range 4 months to 12 years). Gastroenteritis was the most frequently diagnosed disease in 137(63%) patients. Domperidone was prescribed in 52.4% and ondansetron in 47.6% children. Oral liquid dosage formulation was prescribed in 109 (48.4%) followed by solid dosage form 47 (20.9%). Mean cost of domperidone therapy was 25.34±6.55 INR and for ondansetron it was 36.62±17.94 INR.

Conclusions: Gastroenteritis was most frequent indication for use of anti-emetics. Domperidone pharmacotherapy was cheaper and most frequently prescribed than ondansetron.

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Published

2017-01-23

How to Cite

Patel, M. M., Rana, D. A., Patel, V. J., & Patel, M. (2017). Prescription and cost-analysis of antiemetic medication use in pediatric wards: a prospective observational study. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 3(1), 124–129. Retrieved from https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/966

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Original Research Articles