title: Rational prescription of medicines--a study of indoor patients at a tertiary care hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, a tertiary hospital, to know whether drugs are prescribed rationally keeping in mind indications, interactions, contraindications, proper dosage and economy of the patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a descriptive case study. Records of 200 patients admitted in various units of the hospital were analysed by a panel of pharmacologists and conclusions drawn.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was found that only 52% of patients receive prescriptions that were rationale in all aspects. Where as in rest of the patients the rationale could be challenged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study stresses the need for more concentrated and dedicated effort towards prescription of medicines.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacology Department, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Babar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.lastname: Shahnawaz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Munir
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Haider
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection