Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Irrational prescription of drugs is a common occurrence in clinical practise. Aims &
Objective: The principal aim of drug utilization studies is to facilitate the rational use of drugs in population.
Materials and Methods: A total of 238 prescription of patients of acne vulgaris were analyzed for 6 months in Dermatology OPD by Pharmacology department of SGRRIM & HS, Dehradun to study the drug utilization pattern, using WHO drug use indicator.
Results: A total of 238 prescriptions were analysed, male: female ratio was 1:1.07, mean age was 21.67 ± 0.51 years, majority of the patients were unmarried 153 (64.28%), students 192 (80.68%), non-vegetarian 121 (50.84%), belongs to middle socio-economic group 213 (89.49%). Total 1135 drugs were used, oral formulations 471 (41.50%), topical 664 (58.50%), 35 (3.08%) FDCs (fixed dose combination) were prescribed. 4.76 drugs per prescription were prescribed. Antibiotics 204(43.31%) were most commonly used oral drugs. 620 (93.37%) single topical preparations and 44 (6.63%) topical combination preparations of steroids, antibiotics and antifungals were prescribed. All drugs were prescribed in brand names. Conclusion: The prescriptions revealed polypharmacy. This study can help to provide feedback to the prescribers, thereby increase in awareness and improve patient care by rational utilisation of drugs.