MATERNAL ANEMIA AND MEDICATION TRENDS: A DRUG UTILIZATION STUDY FROM A TEACHING HOSPITAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Context: Pregnancy-related anaemia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal death and morbidity, making it an important issue for public health worldwide, but especially in underdeveloped nations. To improve maternal outcomes, pharmaceutical intervention is essential, especially iron and folic acid supplements. The appropriateness, logic, and consistency of therapeutic practices with published standards may be evaluated by analysing medication use trends in pregnant women with anaemia. Purpose: This study aimed to examine how a tertiary care teaching hospital prescribed and used drugs to treat anaemia in pregnant women. Approach: The obstetrics and gynaecology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital undertook a prospective observational study over a set length of time. Information was gathered from prenatal prescriptions about the various anti-anemic drugs that were given to pregnant patients, including folic acid, oral and parenteral iron preparations, and how often they were given them. Findings: Oral iron formulations were favoured for mild to moderate cases, and the most generally recommended therapy was iron and folic acid supplements. Iron treatment provided intravenously and blood transfusions were sometimes used to treat severe anaemia. To improve adherence, fixed-dose combinations were often used. While some diversity in dose and formulation preferences was noted, the majority of prescriptions followed national criteria.