Prescribing pattern in a pediatric out-patient department in Gujarat

Children constitute about 40% of India’s population. Infants and children suffer from frequent but usually non-serious illnesses. Most of these are self-limiting (Straand et al., 1998) and are often treated not only inappropriately, but also resorting to polypharmacy (Ghai and Paul, 1988). Prescribers and the consumers are flooded with a vast array of pharmaceutical preparations with innumerable trade names, available often at an unaffordable price. Epidemiological evaluation of medicine use in the elderly is now a highly visible topic, but drug utilization studies in pediatric population have been limited. The assessment of medicine utilization is important for clinical, educational and economic purposes (Uppal et al., 1984). The ultimate goal is to achieve rational and cost effective medical care, particularly in the economically developing countries.