Table 4 Most common off-label and unlicensed medicines prescribed in ACSH NICU, April 2019
Drug | Total medicines prescribed | Frequency(%) of off-label use | Reason for off-label use | Frequency(%) of unlicensed use | Reason for unlicensed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ampicillin | 113 | 99 (27.2%) | Dose too high | ||
Vancomycin | 23 | 23 (6.32%) | Dose too high | 23 (6.3%) | Lack of suitable dosage form |
Ceftazidim | 23 | 21 (5.77%) | Dose too high and in appropriate frequency | ||
Ceftriaxone | 18 | 16 (4.4%) | Dose too high | ||
Paracetamol suppository | 14 | 14 (3.85%) | contraindicated for neonatal use | 14 (3.8%) | Unauthorized for neonatal use |
Cefotaxime | 17 | 13 (3.57%) | Dose too high | ||
Phenobarbital Tablet | 10 | 10 (2.75%) | Unauthorized dosage form for age | 10 (2.8%) | Lack of suitable dosage form |
Aminophylline injection | 7 | 7 (1.92%) | contraindicated for neonatal use | 7 (1.9%) | Unauthorized for neonatal use |
Vitamin K | 6 | 5 (1.38%) | Dose too high | ||
Furosemide Tablet | 5 | 5 (1.37%) | Dose too high | 5 (1.4%) | Lack of suitable dosage form |
Gentamycin | 84 | 5 (1.37%) | Dose too high | ||
Others | 44 | 28 (7.69%) | Different reason | 27 (7.4%) | Different reason |
Total | 364 | 246 (67.58%) | 86 (23.6%) |