OBJECTIVES: Safety and effective use of drugs depend on prescribing pattern. Irrational prescription of drugs is responsible for delay in relief, more adverse effects, prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidity and mortality, emergence of microbial resistance and financial loss. The aim of this study was to analyze the prescribing pattern in a private paediatric outpatient setting. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out at a private paediatric outpatient clinic to analyze the drug utilization using WHO prescribing indicators. A structured data collection format was used to obtain data from prescriptions. RESULTS: The results are based on data obtained from 653 patient’s prescriptions; out of which 60 patients were excluded. A total of 593 patients were included in the study. Of these, 356 were boys and 237 were girls. The average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 3.16±0.05. Drugs prescribed by generic name were only 6.5%. Thirty percent of medicines were prescribed from National list of essential medicines. The percentage encounter with an antibiotic and injection prescribed was 22% and 0.5%, respectively. The results are indicative of a judicious choice of drugs for children in an outpatient setting. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide continuing evidence for the safe prescribing of drugs to children.