A retrospective study of prescription pattern of drugs in the management of stroke, at BRIMS teaching hospital, Bidar, India

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACTBackground: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide these days. It is one of the major public health challenges, not only for neuropharmacology but the society in general. This study was conducted mainly to assess the prescribing pattern of drugs in stroke patients.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the department of medicine at BRIMS teaching hospital over a period of 3 months. 40 Patients were included in this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pharmacological therapy prescribed was analysed to determine the pattern of prescription of drugs.Results: The incidence of stroke was higher in males as compared to females. Hypertension, smoking, and alcoholism were found to be the major risk factors for stroke. The major co-morbidities identified were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In study of 40 patients 78% were identified as Ischemic stroke patients and 22% suffered Hemorrhagic stroke. The current prescribing trends were antihypertensive (35%), followed by antiplatelets (25%), statins (10%), antidiabetics (10%), antibiotics (11%) and nootropics (5%).Conclusions: In order to promote the quality use of drugs, the prescribing pattern of drugs should be based on severity of stroke, associated co?morbid conditions, and currently available evidences.