Drug prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids in dermatology unit of a tertiary-care hospital

Abstract

primary and secondary cutaneous complaints, which are particularly more common in India. Among these, allergy and itches are widely observed in most of these patients. Many people suffer from common skin problems that are common in all the age groups. The skin problems that are commonly found are acne, burn scars, hyperhidrosis, psoriasis, scabies, vitiligo, pediculosis, herpes simplex infection, varicella, herpes zoster, erythema, urticaria, and so on. [1] Corticosteroids play a vital role in the treatment of many diseases including skin. Probably, it has greater applications in dermatological practice in topical form. These drugs are extensively prescribed by the consultants because of their strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions. This practice has led to quite often overprescribing of these Background: Considering the economic burden of the skin disease treatment and because of its high disease prevalence, it is important to study the drug prescribing patterns of skin diseases. The data pertaining to drug usage patterns of topical corticosteroids in skin conditions are particularly lacking.Objective: To study the demographic details and drug prescription pattern in patients with skin diseases who were on topical corticosteroids. for 6 months. The patients with skin diseases who were on topical corticosteroids were included. The data were collected prospectively by direct observation in a specially designed pro forma containing relevant detail such as demographic, disease, and drug data. The data were analyzed as counts and percentages.Result: The patients were of age < 20 years (33%) and 21-40 years (30%), with female subjects (62%) being the majority; patients from rural area (62%) were commonly affected. The most common skin conditions encountered were dermatitis (47%) and psoriasis (14%). The most common topical corticosteroid prescribed was clobetasol propionate (60%). Many of the topical corticosteroids were prescribed in fixed dose combination (42%). Majority of the topical corticosteroids prescribed were of very potent (73%) and potent (14%). Average drug per prescription was 3.6. In prescriptions, 57% were specified using generic names. None of them were specified with either strength or quantity. Only 21% were specified with area of application, 25% with route of administration, and 23% with frequency of administration. Conclusion:There is a need to put more emphasis on rational and complete prescribing of drugs for skin diseases.

Assessment of Prescription Pattern of Systemic Steroidal Drugs in the Outpatient Department of Menelik II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019

“…Inappropriate prescriptions are known worldwide as a main healthcare concern, particularly in developing countries. 7,8 Since corticosteroids play a crucial role in the treatment of many diseases, including the skin, they are commonly prescribed by clinicians. According to World Health Organization figures, 50% of all drugs are wrongly prescribed, administered or sold, in particular, by GCS.…”