Objective: To probe into the characteristics and problems of drug use in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the influencing factors of neonatal drug exposure

so as to promote the rational drug use and pharmaceutical care in NICU. Methods: A total of 400 neonates in NICU were randomly selected. Perinatal clinical characteristics

demographic characteristics and drug treatment were collected. Univariate analysis and correlation analysis were carried out for the number of drugs used in children and the clinical and demographic characteristics of the perinatal period. Results: The gestational age of 400 children was 38.50 (4.00) weeks

and the number of drugs was 5.00 (3.00). The number of drugs used for children was negatively correlated with gestational age

birth weight

Apgar score

and positively correlated with length of stay and mechanical ventilation time. The most commonly used drugs were vitamins

nutrients

enzymes

drugs that regulate water

electrolyte and acid-base balance

anti-infectives

digestive system drugs

blood and hematopoietic system drugs

central nervous system drugs

urinary and reproductive system drugs and traditional chinses Chinese medicines for heat-clearing. Of the 79 drugs

65 contained information on medications for children

27 contained information on medications for newborns

and 12 contained information on medications for adults only. Conclusion: Children with low gestational age

low birth weight

long length of stay

long mechanical ventilation time

low Apgar score

and more complications in NICU are suppose to be treated with more drugs

and pharmaceutical care should be emphasized. There is a shortage of information in the instructions for commonly used drugs for neonates

which can promote rational drug use by reducing the use of adjuvant drugs.