The Standard of Prescription of Medicines in Obstetrics and Outpatient Gynecology of a Public Hospital
Nehad J. Ahmed *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to describe the pattern of prescription ofmedications in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in a public hospital in Alkharj.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study that included data collection of outpatient electronic prescriptions at a public hospital in Alkharj. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive data were represented as percentages and numbers.
Results: The total number of outpatients who received prescriptions from the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic was 722. The majority were between 20 and 39 years old (76.04%). Most prescriptions were written by consultants (55.12%) followed by residents (42.38%). Most drugs were prescribed as tablets (63.43%) followed by capsules (17.17%) and ampoule/syringe (9.42%). The most prescribed medication was paracetamol (14.68%) followed by ferrous sulfate/ferrous hydroxide (13.85), amoxicilline (8.17%).
Conclusion: The pattern of prescription of medications in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, especially during pregnancy, needs to be continuously evaluated in order to promote rational prescription of medications in order to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with therapy. It is important to raise the awareness of health professionals about the use of supplements and antimicrobials.
Keywords: Medicines, obstetrics and gynecology, outpatient, prescription pattern rational usage