Abstract

Blessin V. Shervin, Priyanka Mohan and Dr. Suresha B. S.*

ABSTRACT

Drug utilization studies is a potential tool in poisoning to keenly observe the pattern and profile of poisoning and focus on reported poisoning to improve the management and prevent deaths. This facilitates rational use of drugs in affected population. According to WHO, more than three million poisoning cases with 251,881 deaths occur worldwide annually, 99% of fatal cases occur in developing countries particularly among agricultural workers. This study aims to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of poisoning cases reported in medicine department of tertiary care hospital Mandya city. This is a retrospective study of poisoning cases based on the desired study criteria. Among 250 cases, a higher incidence of poisoning was in male patients 86 (65.6%) and in age group of 18-27 (50%). Poisoning episodes were majority for the purpose of suicidal in 18 -27 years (55%) and accidental in 28-37 years (27%). Most of the poisoning cases were due to organophosphorus compound consumption of 114 cases, 45.6%; constituting majority of Dichlorvos (34.2%, 39 cases). Antidotes like Pralidoxime (14.6%), atropine (14%), thiamine (3.98%) and N- acetylcysteine (0.26%) were utilized for the management of poisoning cases under study.