Drug utilization evaluation of medications used in the management of neurological disorders / 《全球健康杂志（英文）》

Background and object:The burden of neurological disorders in India is expected to increase due to the rapid demographic and epidemiological transition,with irrational drug use,which is also a global concern.Thus,drug utilization evaluation is designed to ensure appropriate medicine use within the healthcare settings.The aim of the study was to assess the rate and pattern of drug utilization in the management of neurological disorders.Materials and methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional drug utilization evaluation study on neurological drugs was carried out at the Department of Neurology over a span of six months.All legible prescriptions consisting neurological medications irrespective of patient's gender,aged ≥18 years were included for the study.The World Health Organization(WHO)core drug use indicators were used to assess the drug prescribing and utilization patterns.Results:A total of 310 prescriptions were reviewed,where male predominance was found to be 56.45％.Out of 310 prescriptions,drugs belonging to 26 neurological classes were prescribed for the management of various neurological disorders.The majority of patients were diagnosed with epilepsy and the most prescribed drugs per patient were phenytoin(14.8％)and valproic acid(6.45％).By following the WHO core drug prescribing indicators,65.47％of drugs prescribed from the India National List of Essential Medicines,2022,followed by 29.83％of drugs prescribed in generic name and 10.86％of prescriptions including injections.Conclusion:The study findings showed that the prescribing pattern in the Department of Neurology was in accordance with the WHO core prescribing indicators.But,the extent of polypharmacy prescriptions was very high.Therefore,interventions are very necessary to promote rational drug prescribing patterns and thus clinical pharmacists can contribute to assess and review the drug utilization pattern to optimize the drug therapy and improvement in patient safety.

Aceclofenac-Induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening systemic clinical condition. We report a case of a 44-year-old female, who developed DRESS syndrome after taking two doses of aceclofenac, paracetamol, and thiocolchicoside fixed-dose combination. The patient presented with maculopapular rashes, itching, fever, pedal edema, swelling of the face and lips, difficulty in swallowing, loose stools, and vomiting for 4 days following drug intake. Laboratory and histopathological investigations supported the diagnosis following RegiSCAR criteria. The DRESS syndrome in this patient was definite as per Naranjo’s adverse drug reaction probability scale. The patient was adequately managed using systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids. Aceclofenac is the most likely causative agent of DRESS syndrome in this patient. Early detection and withdrawal of the suspected drug along with adequate supportive treatment are the mainstay of management.