Drugs dispensed at the Division of Neonatology at University Hospital in Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina

Introduction. The objective was to analyze the number of drugs dispensed by the Pharmacy Department to the Neonatology Division, to find out if the use of these drugs is described on the package insert approved by the Administracion Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnologia, ANMAT (Drug, Food and Technology Administration of Argentina) and to compare such information with that provided by Medical Associations and Commissions. Population and methods. Analytical, observational and retrospective study in which drugs were analyzed based on dosage units, costs and relevance in the 2011 annual budget. We analyzed the information found in ANMAT-approved label inserts, in the Neonatal Pharmacopeia of the Sociedad Argentina de Pediatria and in the Formularies of the Confederacion Medica Argentina and the Comision Nacional del Medicamento (National Medication Commission). Results. A total of 102 drugs (91 drug substances) were dispensed throughout 2011. Drugs most commonly supplied were: antiinfective agents for systemic use (24.51%), agents for the blood and blood forming organs, cardiovascular system, and nervous system (12.72% each). The total expenditure was ARS 263,285.52. Only 21 drugs accounted for 90.73% of the cost. Out of the 14 drugs in this group, only 1 had information related to its use in neonatology in all its labels (package inserts), only 4 in some of their product information and there was no information at all in any of the remaining 9 drugs. The Neonatal Pharmacopeia reported on 12 of the 14 drugs, while the Formularies made a reference to 9 of the 14 drugs. Conclusions. The most widely used drugs were antiinfectives for systemic use. A total of 21 drugs accounted for 90.73% of the annual cost in drugs. Out of 14, only 1 had information of its use in neonatology in all its labels and 9 corresponded to off-label use.