Objectives: To study the trends of drug utilization pattern in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at rural tertiary care hospital using the World Health Organization core indicators. Methods:The study was cross-sectional, observational study in NICU of Government Medical College, Ambajogai, Maharashtra. Data were collected by scrutinizing the prescriptions written by pediatricians in NICU. The consent of parents of neonate was obtained for inclusion in the study. Parameters such as age, gender, birth weight, current illness, congenital anomalies, gestational age at birth, and drugs prescription analyzed. Results:A total 220 prescription were scrutinized. Out of 220 neonates, 53.6% was males and 46.3% females. The total number of drugs prescribed was 808 and the average number of drugs per prescription was 3.6. The most frequently prescribed therapeutic class of drugs antimicrobial agents (60.64%) followed by vitamin K (26.7%) and aminophylline (9.4%). The maximum number (50%) of neonate born with birth weight <2.5. The maximum number (42%) of neonate was born at 34-36 weeks of gestation. Preterm low birth weight was the most common observed reason for admission to NICU. The drugs are prescribed by branded name outnumbered than generic name. Conclusion:This study highlights the problem of overprescribing of antibiotics, inadequate labeling and a trend toward polypharmacy.

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