Prescription and Drug Consumption Patterns in internal medicine: A Study in a Secondary Level Hospital

The appropriate use of medications is essential to ensure patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes. This study aimed to analyze prescribing and medication consumption patterns in the internal medicine department of a second-level hospital in Mexico. An observational, retrospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients between June and November 2023. Demographic data, medical conditions, and prescribed medications were collected, and the World Health Organization’s Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology was applied to assess antibiotic consumption. A total of 104 patients were included, with a predominance of women (59.6%) and a mean age of 67.8 years. The average number of medications prescribed per patient was 7.7, reflecting a high level of polypharmacy. The most frequent conditions were diabetes mellitus (18.5%), arterial hypertension (16.7%), and chronic kidney disease (12.3%). The most frequently used medication groups were analgesics, anesthetics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibiotics (14.5% each). Ceftriaxone was the most prescribed antibiotic, with a DDD of 84.0, highlighting a potential overuse. The findings reflect the high burden of chronic diseases, frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the need for strategies to optimize hospital pharmacotherapy. It is concluded that it is essential to strengthen rational drug use programs, implement safe prescribing protocols, and promote the inclusion of clinical pharmacists to improve patient safety and the quality of hospital medical care.