Changing pattern of drug utilization in a neonatal intensive care unit

Drug exposures in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in 1974 and in 1977 were compared. A significant increase in drug exposure (3.4 drugs per baby in 1974 versus 6.19 drugs in 1977) and in the total number of drugs used (71 versus 102 different drugs) were noted. The proportion of infants receiving no drugs were similar (23%). Infants given penicillin and kanamycin decreased by about 50% with a reciprocal increase observed with ampicillin and gentamicin. Except for a few drugs (chloramphenicol, methicillin, Infantol), all drugs were used in a greater number of babies in 1977. Data indicate increase in drugs used and a change in the pattern of drug utilization over a period of three years.