Objective: This study was done to assess the appropriateness of drug information on prescribing in Pediatric age group given in a popular formulary, CIMS and IAP.
Methods and Material: We collected detailed information of 51 drugs (Anti-infectives, NSAIDS, Drugs acting on respiratory system and Vitamins) which are commonly prescribed in pediatric age group from Current Index of Medical specialities (CIMS) (April-July2012) and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Drug formulary (2013) 30th edition. WHO model formulary for children 2010, was used as standard reference. We compared appropriateness of drug information which is given in CIMS and IAP with WHO model formulary for children.
Results: In our study, it was found that indication was inappropriate for 52% drugs in IAP and 73% drugs in CIMS , regarding contraindication 36% drugs in IAP and 43% drugs in CIMS was inappropriate, Precautions was inappropriate for 77% drugs in IAP and 88% in CIMS, Drug dosage was not mentioned appropriately for 75% drugs in IAP and 85% drugs in CIMS, Relevant information in pediatric patients in presence of renal and hepatic impairment was not mentioned for 86% drugs in IAP and 100% drugs in CIMS, adverse effects were not mentioned properly for 77% drugs in IAP and 95% in CIMS, interactions were not mentioned properly for 75% drugs in IAP and 83% in CIMS and ancillary information was inappropriate for 39% drugs in IAP and 70% in CIMS.
Conclusions: This study highlights the inadequacy of popular Indian formularies CIMS and IAP in context of pediatric prescribing. Thus, there is imminent need of a pediatric national formulary with due focus on guidelines for pediatric prescribing.