Drug Utilization Pattern and Maternal Outcomes of Obstetric Medications in Antenatal and Postnatal Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Rational drug use in obstetrics is essential to ensure maternal safety and optimal pregnancy outcomes. Drug utilization studies help evaluate prescribing patterns and identify areas for improvement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the drug utilization pattern and evaluate maternal outcomes associated with obstetric medications in antenatal and postnatal women at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 200 antenatal and postnatal women receiving medications were included. Data on demographics, drug prescriptions, and maternal outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square test, independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were applied. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age was 26.8 ± 4.2 years. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 5.2 ± 1.3. Iron supplements (92%) and folic acid (89%) were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Favorable maternal outcomes were observed in 88% of cases. Multivariate analysis revealed antihypertensive use (AOR = 3.56, P = 0.001), polypharmacy (AOR = 2.83, P = 0.006), primigravidity (AOR = 2.14, P = 0.047), and antibiotic use (AOR = 1.89, P = 0.041) as independent predictors of complications. CONCLUSION: Although maternal outcomes were largely favorable, polypharmacy and high-risk drug use were significantly associated with complications. Rational prescribing practices should be emphasized.