A cross-sectional study on prescription pattern, essential medicines adherence and drug-drug interactions in patients attending ENT outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are common across all age groups and pose a significant socioeconomic burden. Effective management depends on rational drug prescribing. This study aimed to evaluate prescribing patterns in the ENT outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, assess adherence to the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022, and identify potential drug-drug interactions. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the ENT outpatient department, involving 326 patients who received at least one drug. Data on demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, and prescriptions were collected. Drug interactions were assessed using the Medscape drug interaction checker. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media (26.1%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by pharyngitis (11%). A total of 1204 drugs were prescribed, with an average of 3.7±1.3 drugs per prescription. Antimicrobials were the most frequently prescribed class, with Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid being the most common oral agent (52.5%). Oral administration (74.4%), mainly in tablet form, was predominant, along with topical formulations like ear and nasal drops. Generic prescribing was observed in 66.4% of cases. Of the 56 drugs prescribed, 34% were from the hospital formulary and 41% from NLEM 2022. Potential minor drug-drug interactions were identified in only 2.1% of prescriptions. Conclusions: The study reflects common ENT prescribing practices, with a focus on antimicrobials and oral formulations. While generic prescribing is fairly common, adherence to the NLEM and hospital formulary can be improved. Drug interaction incidence was low, indicating responsible prescribing practices.