RESUMO
Aim: Irrational use of medicines is a global problem. In India, one contributing factor is the availability of a large number of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). To improve rational use and to strengthen policies, it is important to assess the usage patterns and rationality of FDCs. Methods: This study was conducted as part of a 1-year prospective cross-sectional analysis of prescriptions in the outpatient clinics of broad specialities from 13 tertiary care hospitals across India. Five most commonly prescribed FDCs in each center were analyzed. In addition, all the prescribed FDCs were classified as per the Kokate Committee classification and it was noted whether any of the FDCs were irrational or banned as per the reference lists released by regulatory authorities. Results: A total of 4,838 prescriptions were analyzed. Of these, 2,093 (43.3%) prescriptions had at least one FDC. These 2,093 prescriptions had 366 different FDCs. Of the 366 FDCs, 241 were rational; 10 were irrational; 14 required further data generation; and the remaining 96 FDCs could not be categorized into any of the above. Vitamins and minerals/supplements, antibacterial for systemic use, and drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer were the most used FDCs. Conclusion: Based on the finding that some prescriptions contained irrational FDCs, it is recommended that a rigorous, regular, and uniform method of evaluation be implemented to approve/ban FDCs and that prescribers be periodically notified about the status of the bans.
RESUMO
Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent episodic paroxysmal involuntary clinical events associated with abnormal electrical activity from the neurons. Without the knowledge of how drugs are being prescribed and used, it is difficult to initiate discussion on rationale drug use and to suggest measures to change prescribing habits for the better management. Present study was performed with an aim to study the utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for the paediatric patients suffering from various forms of epileptic seizures.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the epilepsy clinic of Department of Paediatrics, Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Gujarat, on patients diagnosed to have epilepsy July 2014 to October 2014. Hundred Paediatric patients of either gender diagnosed to had epilepsy and taking treatment from pediatric epilepsy clinic OPD, S.S.G. Hospital, and Baroda. Patient抯 detailed medical history, demographic details and other required information was recorded on a prestructured data entry form.Results: Out of 100. GTCS was found to be the most common (55%) form of epilepsy among pediatric patients and Carbamazepine was the most commonly prescribed (41%) AED followed by sodium valproate (38%). 71% patients were prescribed monotherapy. Carbamazepine +Clobazam was the most commonly (7%) used combination.Conclusions: Use of appropriate AEDs in the majority of patients as per WHO guidelines, has decreased number of ADRs in this study.