Abstract

PRESCRIBING PATTERNS AND PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DRUGS USED IN PEDIATRIC ASTHMA PATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Yogesh A. Garje, *Rajesh Kumar Suman, Rakesh Kumar, Y.A Deshmukh, V. Patra

ABSTRACT

Objective: The present study evaluated the pattern of Drugs usage and cost analysis of Pediatrics Asthma Patients at tertiary care hospital. Method: Questionnaires was specifically designed factoring patients’ demographical profile, illness history, prescription regimen and cost of drug prescribed. Result: A total 100 prescriptions of children attending Pediatric department were analyzed. Maximum children were of the age group between 1 – 5 yr (45%). Of total 100 patients, etiology of Asthma was diagnosed as Mild persisten (74%) and Moderate Persistent (26%). Total 296 drugs were prescribed in 100 prescriptions. Average number of drugs per prescription was 2.96. Most commonly encountered antiasthmatic drugs were Salbutamol (42.2%), Budesonide (18.2%), Montelukast (7.8%), Deflazacort(5.2%), Prednisolone(4.7%), Salbutamol+Ipratropium Bromide(1.6%), Salmetrol+Fluticasone(20%). Of total 296 drug, 66.1% of drug prescribed by Inhalational route and 33.9% by oral route.19% of prescription showed antibiotic .Mean cost per prescription were INR16.8. All the drugs were prescribed by brand names. Other medication prescribed were Fexofenadine, Albendazole, Sodium Chloride, Multivitamin etc. Conclusion: Pattern of drug prescription in paediatric asthmatics showed the highest usage of Beta-2 Agonists (96%), followed by inhalational corticosteroids (74%), leukotriene modifiers (16%) and Anticholinergics (3%).. Among the LABA and ICS drug combinations prescribed, fixed dose LABA plus ICS as single inhaler was widely used. Prescription by brand names is however, a matter of concern.

Keywords: Pediatrics, Asthma, LABA, ICS Sub Area: Pharmacology research.