Analysis of drug use in patients of analgesic nephropathy

ABSTRACT

Background: The global incidence and prevalence of analgesic nephropathy is 28% in 1981 and 12% in 1990. Intake of 6–8 tablets per day for 6–8 years attributes to development of analgesic nephropathy. This article serves caution and reminder about unnoticed renal threat posed by long-term use of analgesics. Aim and Objectives: The study objective is to assess the drug utilization pattern in patients of analgesic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional observational study, carried out across multicenter under the tertiary care hospital, after obtaining permission from respective institutes. Data were collected on demographic features such as age, gender, duration, and type of analgesics used by patients from various monitoring centers through CDSCO forms. To analyze the drug utilization pattern, the World Health Organization prescribing indicator scales were applied. Results: A total of 32 patient case sheets were analyzed, showing more of females (65.6%) being affected compared to men. Involving more patients aged above 31–50 years (50%). 51–70 years (37.5%) being affected with cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors along with nonselective COX inhibitors. The most common prescribed are COX-2 inhibitors such as Diclofenac and Aceclofenac along with combination of Paracetamol. 40.4% patients were affected with fixed drug combinations and usage of drugs between 2 and 6 months were 34.4%. 56% landed with acute renal failure and 44% were progressed to end stage renal disease. Conclusions: Usage and prescribing of analgesics were more of irrational combinations and patients taking self-medication for long duration were against the WHO standards.