Assessment of Drug Utilization Pattern of Antimicrobials Prescribed in the Orthopedic Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction The purpose of prescription patterns is to collect valid data, which would help in formulating appropriate guidelines to ensure the rational use of medicines. Unfortunately, information about the use of medicines in patients visiting orthopedic clinics in tertiary care hospitals in India, especially in Maharashtra, is scanty. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the primary objective to evaluate the current drug-prescribing trend of antimicrobials in the management of inpatients of the orthopedic department and secondary objectives to assess group-wise distribution of antimicrobials prescribed to inpatients of the orthopedic department and to assess additional drugs prescribed to these patients. Methods This study was a cross-sectional observational study done on 99 patients who were admitted to the wards of the orthopedics department of the hospital. The drug utilization assessment was done by using the WHO core drug prescribing indicators. The assessment of the drugs prescribed according to the essential drug list was done using the National List of Essential Drugs Medicines (NLEM) 2022 of India. Results The study population was predominantly elderly (47.5% ≥60 years) with male predominance (62.6%), and falls (58.6%) as the leading cause, followed by road traffic accidents (35.3%). Antimicrobial use was dominated by broad-spectrum agents, particularly ceftriaxone (43.4%), ciprofloxacin (47.5%), and metronidazole (54.5%), with moderate use of aminoglycosides (35.4%). Fixed-dose combinations were led by Cefuroxime + Sulbactam (25.2%). Supportive therapy was extensive, including ranitidine (62.6%), tramadol (59.6%), antihypertensives, insulin, and nutraceuticals. Combination therapies such as Bromelain + Trypsin + Rutoside (37.4%) were frequently used. Conclusion This study reflects a pattern of polypharmacy characterized by extensive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and adjunctive therapies, emphasizing the need for rational prescribing practices and antimicrobial stewardship to optimize clinical outcomes and minimize resistance.