Drug utilization study of antihypertensive drugs in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is a major common disease and effects a million of people worldwide. And is risk factor for other diseases like cardiovascular diseases, stroke etc. The aim of our study was undertaken to study the utilization pattern of anti hypertensive drugs at a tertiary care hospital. The guidelines for the treatment of hypertension are put forward by the Joint National Committee (JNC) on detection, evaluation and treatment of blood pressure. The Indian guidelines endorsed by the cardiology society of India, the hypertension society of India, and Indian college of physicians closely follow the JNC guidelines.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 patients in outpatient Department of General medicine of Government General Hospital, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana. The data collected was analysed from the prescription pattern of anti hypertensive drugs. The data collected were statistically analysed and presented as counts and percentages.Results: Out of 100 study subjects, males were 55% and females were 45% and maximum number of patients in age group are (51 to 60 years.). Among antihypertensive drugs commonly used in present study are Losartan (ARB’s)-64% and for two drug therapy are enalapril and amlodipine 22% and for three drug therapy are enalapril +atenolol+furosemide-14%. Average number of drugs prescribed is 6.15% per prescription. Percentages of medicines prescribed by generic drugs are85% and from the essential drug list are 95%.Conclusions: In this study usage of anti hypertensive drugs were prescribed rationally in tertiary care hospital. The study emphasizes that need for effective continuing medical education and also preventive measures in hypertensive individuals.