Drug utilization study of bronchial asthma in adults at rural hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma is rather a clinical syndrome than a disease with availability wide range of medications. Drug utilization studies are necessary to improve prescribing pattern among physicians.Methods: The 250 study subjects were interviewed, and prescription data was recorded in a pre-designed case record form. The data was compiled using Microsoft excel and presented in a tabulated and graphical presentation.Results: Out of 250 study subjects most of the study subjects are between 61-70 years of age. Majority of subjects are males (58%). Out of 250, (49%) are found out to be smokers. Dust, smoke and pollen are found out to be most common allergen. Most common type of asthma was mild intermittent (134) study subjects. Socio-economic status of was found out to be lower middle class in majority (158 out of 250). Large number of study population is suffering from co-morbid conditions such as URTI and COPD. Salbutamol was most common single drug used for nebulization therapy and most common combination is salbutamol + ipatropium bromide + budesonide. Most common oral drug used are methylxanthines and most frequently used intravenous drugs are deriphylline and hydrocortisone. Various antibiotics are prescribed to majority of subjects, most common was amoxicillin + clavulanic acid combination. Most commonly suffered adverse drug reaction between study subjects were gastrointestinal disturbances.Conclusions: It is concluded that prescribing pattern for asthma at A.V.B.R.H. is not according to standard guidelines, hence it is need of the hour to encourage physicians to follow guidelines.