Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the prescribing pattern in geriatrics, analyze the prescriptions using World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators, and to assess the appropriateness of prescriptions using Beers criteria 2012. Methods: This retrospective drug utilization review study was conducted for a period of 6-month. Prescriptions of in-patients above 65 years were collected and documented. Collected data were then analyzed with the WHO core prescribing indicators and 2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. Results: A total of 205 in-patient prescriptions were collected. The majority of patients (73.66%) were in the age group of 65-74 years. The most commonly found comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Average number of drugs per prescription was 9.09. Percentage of encounters with an antibiotic and injection prescribed were 81.46% and 95.12%, respectively. A total number of drugs prescribed by its generic name were 235 (12.60%). Among 1865 medicines prescribed, 1215 (65.15%) were prescribed from National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM). Gastrointestinal agents (17.28%) were the most frequently prescribed class of drug followed by cardiovascular drugs (17.14%). Based on 2012 Beers criteria, 66 (32.19%) prescriptions were found inappropriate. Conclusions: Our study suggests that current practice in our hospital is associated with greater polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use. Prescribing from NLEM was fair. Use of injectables and antibiotics were high. Drugs prescribed in generic name were low. In future, multidisciplinary approach should be endorsed for rational drug use in the geriatric population.
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