title: Drug utilization pattern in dental outpatients in tertiary care teaching hospital in western Nepal.
abstract: A high incidence of dental disease has been reported in Nepal. Previous studies, both in the Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, and other centers revealed problems in the use of medicines in dentistry. A number of initiatives to improve prescribing have been carried out. The study presented here was undertaken to assess the impact of these initiatives on drug utilization among dental outpatients. The study was conducted among patients attending the dental outpatient department of the hospital over a six-month period. Demographic details were studied. The drug classes and individual drugs prescribed were recorded. The cost of drugs was calculateS using the outpatient pharmacy price list. The prescriptions were analyzed using the WHO/INRUD prescribing indicators. Anomalies were noted in prescribing. Improvement was noted in certain parameters compared to previous studies. The educational initiatives should be strengthened. Managerial interventions can be considered. Further studies are required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, Manipal Teaching Hospital/Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. subishpalaian@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Subish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palaian
authors.forename: P Ravi
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Shankar
authors.forename: Chatura
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.forename: Manjunath
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.forename: Pradip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ojha
authors.forename: Pranaya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mishra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000700:Analgesics / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003729:Dental Care; D004304:Dosage Forms; D016527:Drug Costs; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms