Abstract

STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN OF NSAID DRUGS A T A PRIMARY HOSPITAL AND CLINIC

S. Ranjini*, S. Vijaya Kumar , D. Gokulan and K. L. Senthil Kumar

ABSTRACT

For five months, a prospective observational study was conducted atmain hospitals and clinics to comprehend the pattern of non steroidalantiinflammatory m edicine use and to pinpoint the potential NSAIDrelated drug drug interactions. Both objectives were met, and theoutcomes are evaluated. For the study, one hundred cases that wereprescribed at least one NSAID were chosen. The study included bothmale and female patients of any age who were seen by a generalpractitioner and were prescribed NSAIDs, as well as those whovolunteered to take part. The study excludes patients in critical care,women who are pregnant or nursing, and those who choose not topart icipate. High rates of NSAID prescriptions were found in generalmedicine, with paracetamol being the most often prescribed NSAID,followed by aspirin, aceclofenac, ibuprofen, and diclofenac. IndividualNSAIDs are administered to the majority of patients, but fixed dosecombos are prescribed less frequently. The majority of NSAIDs weretaken orally, and the majority are given in conjunction with certaingastrointestinal medications. It was discovered that pain was the mostoften given reason for NSAID presc riptions, followed by fever andinflammation. The Micromedex drug database is used to assess the frequency andmanagement of drug interactions, which were found in 36% prescriptions with drug druginteractions. By keeping an eye out for, recognizing, and averting drug interactions,pharmacists contribute significantly to the current study and help patients receive betterpharmaceutical care. Together with the doctor, the pharmacist can make the required adjustments and create regular guidelines for the safe use of NSAIDs. As a result, our studyencourages sensible drug use by supporting appropriate NSAID use and acting as acheckmark for medical providers.

Keywords: Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs; Aceclofenac; Diclofenac; drug interactions; over th e counter (OTC).