Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE THE RATIONALITY IN FIXED DOSE COMBINATIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

Aiswarya A. T.*, Akhil C. P., Parameswary V. Marar, Reshma Karat, Sahla K. and Shahla T.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate the rationality in Fixed Dose Combinations among patients with cardiovascular disorders. Fixed dose combinations are defined by the World Health Organization as combination of two or more active ingredients in a fixed ratio of doses. These combinations must be shown to be safe and effective for the claimed indications and it cannot be assumed that benefits of the Fixed Dose Combinations outweigh its risks. These are widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed as a hospital based Prospective study in two Private hospitals at Palakkad. A predesigned data entry form was used to obtain the data. A total of 256 cases were included in the study in which 84 (32.81%) prescriptions were prescribed with fixed dose combination drugs in which 78.57% encounters for not approved combinations and most of the Fixed Dose Combinations was observed to be in Altered doses. Clopidogrel + Atorvastatin was found to be the commonly prescribed Fixed Dose Combination. The rationality in Fixed Dose Combinations was assessed by Rationality Scoring Scale and only 58.33% combinations was rational. A review and rationalization may be required into the Fixed Dose Combinations and further studies are needed in order to validate its efficacy and safety which is not included in this study. Since our study was conducted in a small population results may not be appropriate, so more researches should be carried out for accurate results.

Keywords: Fixed Dose Combination, Cardiovascular Disorders, Rationality Scoring Scale.