Abstract

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS AND APPROPRIATENESS OF CLOPIDOGREL AND ASPIRIN THERAPY IN HOSPITALIZED CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

V. Rajasimha Reddy*, V. Ramya Sri, V. Harshitha, P. Srikanth, M. Sowjanya,
Dr. M. Purushothaman, G. Jithendra

ABSTRACT

Background: Antiplatelet therapy plays a fundamental role in the prevention and management of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Clopidogrel and aspirin are widely prescribed agents for secondary prevention in patients with coronary and cerebrovascular diseases. Evaluation of real-world prescribing practices is essential to ensure adherence to evidence-based recommendations and optimize patient safety. Objective: To assess the drug utilization patterns and prescribing appropriateness of clopidogrel and aspirin among hospitalized cardiovascular patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months in a tertiary care setting. A total of 251 hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and receiving clopidogrel and/or aspirin were included. Demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, comorbid conditions, lifestyle factors, dosing patterns, and therapeutic regimens were recorded using a structured data collection form. Prescribing trends were evaluated with respect to indication, dose, frequency, and selection of monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy. Results: The study population had a mean age of 61.74 ± 11.71 years, with males constituting 56.9% of cases. Coronary artery disease (39.84%) was the most frequent indication, followed by stroke (27.49%) and acute coronary syndrome (17.52%). Combined hypertension and diabetes mellitus were observed in 62.15% of patients. Clopidogrel monotherapy was prescribed in 75.69% of cases, aspirin monotherapy in 17.92%, and dual antiplatelet therapy in 6.37%. Maintenance doses were consistent with recommended standards. Conclusion: Antiplatelet prescribing practices in this tertiary care hospital were largely aligned with guideline-directed therapy. Clopidogrel monotherapy predominated, particularly among elderly patients with chronic atherosclerotic disease. Periodic drug utilization evaluation may further enhance rational prescribing and optimize cardiovascular outcomes.

Keywords: Clopidogrel; Aspirin; Drug Utilization Study; Antiplatelet Therapy; Cardiovascular Disease; Prescribing Appropriateness; Dual Antiplatelet Therapy; Tertiary Care Hospital.