RESUMEN
Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension known as preeclampsia is considered to be the second cause of death next to anaemia. There are significant sources of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Antihypertensive medication reduces the progression of the course of hypertensive disorders. However, its effect on the outcomes of pregnancy may include development of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, foetal /neonatal demise, IUGR, low birth weight. Whether such associations are casual or confounded is unknown. Hence, we intended to study the rationale use of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertensive patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were recruited. Pregnant women in the age group of 18-45 years who consented to participate were included. Non pregnant women and women with PCOD, depression and on any medications were excluded. Details on drug treatment, type of drugs, combination, dose, dosage and duration were noted. Results: 105 patients were enrolled. 51% belonged to 18-25 years. 98% mothers received monotherapy and 2% received dual therapy. Labetalol was the most commonly prescribed drug. 50% of the patients received a combination of Nifedipine and Methyldopa while another 50% received Nifedipine with Labetalol. The outcome of new born babies born in mothers receiving antihypertensive drugs had complications of low birth weight and malformations. The dose of the medications prescribed was well within the range. Conclusions: Proper counselling to the patients regarding life style management, regular follow ups and monitoring of blood pressure is important to understand, resolve the burden and complication.
RESUMEN
Background: Periodic assessment of drug prescribing and dispensing pattern in a hospital facility shall play a major role in avoiding the inappropriate use of drugs which leads to potential hazards and expenses for the patients.Methods: The objective of the study was to analyse the patterns of drug use and dispensing in dermatology outpatient prescriptions from a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India. Data were collected over a period of one month from patients attending dermatology outpatient department by scrutinizing 100 prescriptions and analyzed using WHO formulated 揷ore drug use indicators� like the format, prescribing pattern and rationality of prescriptions.Results: The total number of drugs prescribed in 100 prescriptions was 233 i.e. on average 2.33 drugs were prescribed per patient. The patient's name and age were mentioned in all the prescriptions while diagnosis, dose, route of administration, dosage form, duration of therapy and prescriber's identity was written in 43.29%, 68.04%, 69.07%, 100%, 49.48% and 63.91% prescriptions respectively. Out of all drugs, 42.91% were generic drugs and 57.08% were from National Essential Drug List of India. Steroids (18.02%) were the most common group of drugs used, followed by keratolytics and emollients (15.87%). Most of the drugs were given by topical route (47.63%).Conclusions: A prescription by a doctor is a reflection of physicians� attitude towards the disease and the role of drug in its treatment. It also provides an insight into the nature of health care at that facility. Interventions to rectify over proper prescription format and prescription of generic drugs are necessary to further improve rational drug use in this facility.