Evaluation of rationality of drug promotional literature using WHO guidelines in a tertiary care hospital

The study was aimed to evaluate the rationality of drug promotional literature using WHO guidelinesThis observational, crosssectional time bound study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Mangaluru. A total of 750 drug promotional literature collected over a period of 6 months was assessed for rationality using WHO guidelines. Most of the drug promotional literature collected were from CVS, GIT & Chemotherapy. Out of 750 drug promotional literature, 71 (9.5%) followed WHO guidelines. Most of them mentioned indication, dosage form and its strength and description of the product and package but safety information was missing in most of the drug promotional literature. In addition to WHO criteria, Brief Prescribing Information (BPI) was present in 19% of drug promotional literature. Most of the drug promotional literature did not follow WHO guidelines while promoting their products. Description of the product and the package was present in all the drug promotional literature which give a hint towards their commercial interest.