Drug utilization study of co-administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastroprotective agents in an orthopaedics outpatients department of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the commonly prescribed analgesic in the orthopaedics department. NSAIDs are prescribed for a long period in both acute condition (like fracture of bones, muscle injury, postoperative procedures etc) or chronic conditions (osteoarthritis etc). However, they have many adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal toxicity when use regularly. For this reason NSAIDs are frequently co-prescribed with gastro protective agents. Common gastroprotective agents are proton pump inhibitors (PPI), H2 blockers, sucralfate, antacids and misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue). Methods: A cross-sectional, unicentric drug utilization study was conducted. Prescriptions were collected from patients attending the orthopaedic outpatients department. The prescription pattern of NSAIDs, gastroprotective agents or co-administration of NSAIDS and gastroprotective agents were analyzed. Results: A total of 977 prescriptions were studied; in which 928 prescriptions contained NSAIDs with gastroprotective agents (97.92%). The most common gastroprotective agents combined with NSAIDs was H2 receptor blockers (60.56%), followed by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (21.65%), while antacids are prescribed least (17.78%). Misoprostol or sucralfate were not used at all. Conclusions: NSAIDs are commonly co-prescribed with gastroprotective agents in high percentage. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(2.000): 199-202

Study of drug prescriptions in medical in-patients in a teaching hospital

“…2 Drug utilization studies are continuing programmes that review, analyze and interpret the pattern of drug use. 3 These studies are also helpful to suggest modifications, if necessary, in the prescribing behavior of medical practitioners to make medical care rational and cost effective. 4 This study was conducted to observe and analyze the prescribing pattern of drugs for the in-patients in the general medicine department of a teaching hospital.…”

Gastro-Protective Drug Utilization Study in Various Departments of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

“…In a study conducted by Ajay Kumar et al, in an orthopedics outpatients department of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, Famotidine (46.12%) was the most frequently used gastroprotective co-administered with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [12] . Several studies revealed that around 70% of patients admitted to nursing facilities or being hospitalized were on acid suppressive medication with more than 50% of them without an appropriate diagnosis justifying prescription [ 13,14] Another major health concern is the current inappropriate self-medication habit.…”

Evaluation of analgesics use in orthopedic department at tertiary care hospital in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India

“…2,3 NSAIDs are also most widely prescribed class of medications worldwide and commonly used over the counter. 4 These drugs have a wide range of adverse effects. Gastrointestinal toxicity is a major clinical limitation.…”