Identification of off-Label Indications Drug for Pregnant Women in A Public Hospital in Yogyakarta Indonesia

Abstract

Pregnant women have special characteristics in the use of drugs that require more attention in the administration of drugs. The use of drugs outside the information listed in the leaflet or off-label has a risk when used by special populations such as pregnant women. This study aims to determine the identification of off-label indication drugs uses for pregnant women at hospitals. This study was conducted using a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling in this study used a retrospective method on medical records of pregnant women in a public hospital in Yogyakarta. The medical record samples amounted to 298 taken using systematic random sampling techniques from January to December 2016. The samples were then analyzed based on the information stated on the National Drug Information Center and related journals. The results showed that there were 2075 drug prescriptions in which there were 98 drug prescriptions (4.72%) with an off-label indication category. Off-label indications drug use included 79 prescriptions of misoprostol (3.81%), 16 dexamethasone prescriptions (0.77%), and 3 prescriptions on ondansetron (0.14%).