Drug prescribing patterns among burn patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Assam, India: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries are a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Management of burn patients requires integrative pharmacotherapy with multiple drugs, encompassing polypharmacy which necessitate inviting rational prescribing and antibiotic stewardship. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prescribing patterns among burn inpatients in a tertiary medical college hospital and assess the compliance with essential medicines lists (EMLs). METHODS: A prospective observational study was organized in the burn unit over 1 year (January-December 2023). Data on demographics, burn characteristics, including total body surface area (TBSA) estimation, and prescribed drugs for 109 admitted patients were recorded using a data collection form. Drug utilization patterns were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Adherence to the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List (WHO-EML) was estimated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 25.2 ± 16.3 years, with a male prevalence of 68.8%. Most burns were accidental (97.2%), with a mean TBSA of 28%. Polypharmacy pattern was observed with an average 6.8 numbers of drugs per prescription. Antibiotics, analgesics, gastroprotectives, and intravenous fluids were routinely prescribed. Cephalosporins (75.22%) and nitroimidazoles (70.64%) were the most frequently used antibiotic groups, with ceftriaxone being the most common. Paracetamol and tramadol were the most prescribed analgesics. Adherence to NLEM and WHO-EML was 100% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates extensive use of multiple drugs in burn management, with a predominance of empirical antibiotics. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and promoting rational prescribing habits are essential to optimize patient outcomes and reduce antimicrobial resistance.