Extent of use of immediate-release formulations of calcium channel blockers as antihypertensive monotherapy by primary care physicians: multicentric study from Bahrain.
J Postgrad Med
;
2002 Jul-Sep; 48(3): 172-5
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-115536
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The issue of cardiovascular safety of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) has been widely debated in view of reflex increase in sympathetic activity induced by immediate release (IR) / short acting formulations. It is generally agreed that such CCBs should not be used alone in the management of hypertension.AIMS:
We have determined the extent to which primary care physicians prescribe CCBs as monotherapy, especially the immediate release formulations, in the management of uncomplicated hypertension and diabetic hypertension - with an emphasis upon the age of the patients. SETTING, DESIGN ANDMETHODS:
A retrospective prescription-based study was carried out in seven out of 18 Health Centres in Bahrain. The study involved a registered population of 229,300 representing 46% of registered individuals, and 35 physicians representing 43% of all primary care physicians. The data was collected between November 1998 and January 1999 using chronic dispensing cards.RESULTS:
In all categories CCBs were the third commonly prescribed antihypertensive as monotherapy, with a prescription rate of 11.1% in uncomplicated hypertension, 18% in diabetic hypertension and 20.1% in elderly patients above 65 years of age. Nifedipine formulations were the most extensively prescribed CCBs. Almost half of the CCB-treated patients were on IR-nifedipine, whereas IR-diltiazem and IR-verapamil, and amlodipine were infrequently prescribed.CONCLUSION:
Prescription of IR-formulations of CCBs as monotherapy by primary care physicians does not conform with recommended guidelines. In view of concerns about the safety of such practice, measures to change the prescribing pattern are required.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Primary Health Care
/
Bahrain
/
Aged, 80 and over
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Drug Administration Schedule
/
Calcium Channel Blockers
/
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Practice guideline
/
Observational study
Limits:
Aged80
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
J Postgrad Med
Year:
2002
Type:
Article
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